Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a buttery, soft, and utterly delightful treat that feels like a warm hug from the South, this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. These cookies boast a simple elegance with their tender crumb, golden edges, and subtle vanilla sweetness that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Perfect for tea time or any sweet craving, this recipe celebrates homemade charm with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a timeless classic you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple, pantry staples that come together beautifully to create those soft, tender cookies we all adore. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that perfect golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough, giving structure without weighing the cookies down.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently, lending them their light, fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter: The secret to rich, tender cookies; be sure to use room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the cookie’s delicate crumb.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s soft interior.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with that warm, irresistible Southern charm.
How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your dough, which is crucial for consistent texture and rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, beat your room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed. This process aerates the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy—about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s a creamy, smooth blend.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Reduce your mixer speed to medium and add the egg along with the pure vanilla extract. Mixing thoroughly here is key so your cookies develop that rich, aromatic flavor that makes every bite special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add your whisked flour mixture in three parts. Mixing slowly and incrementally will prevent overworking the dough, keeping cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough into a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for at least one hour. This firming step is essential as it makes the dough easier to handle and helps cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Prep the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.
Step 7: Shape and Flatten Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the chilled dough and gently roll into balls. Press the center of each ball slightly to flatten, giving you that iconic tea cake shape. Arrange them evenly on your prepared pan, leaving space for gentle spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. Look for golden edges as your signal that they’re perfectly done—soft and tender inside with a satisfyingly light crisp outside.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets them firm up just right so they don’t crumble but still keep their beautiful softness.
How to Serve Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe by dusting a little powdered sugar on top just before serving, or consider adding a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and shine. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also add a charming touch, perfect for guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of black tea, sweet iced tea, or even a creamy latte. For a Southern-inspired tea time spread, include some fresh fruit, lemon bars, or a cheese platter for that delightful contrast of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cookies in a vintage tin or tied with a simple ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a small smear of vanilla buttercream or jam for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Tea Cake Cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their softness without drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh for days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough after shaping it into balls or freeze baked cookies to extend their shelf life. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Dough will keep for up to 3 months, while baked cookies can last about 2 months frozen.
Reheating
To refresh cookies straight from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will restore that just-baked softness and flavor magic beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt to prevent your cookies from tasting overly salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.
What makes Southern Tea Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?
Southern Tea Cake Cookies have a signature tender crumb, slight chewiness, and a subtle vanilla flavor that sets them apart. Their lower sugar content and gentle baking temperature create a soft, delicate texture rather than a crispy crunch.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While traditional Southern Tea Cake Cookies are simple, you can customize by folding in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips. Just be careful not to overwhelm the classic buttery vanilla flavor.
How important is chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough is key. It firms up the butter which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and allows the flavors to develop more deeply, resulting in a tastier, beautifully shaped cookie.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly but flavor will remain delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is one of those treasures that feels both nostalgic and comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones over tea or as a sweet treat anytime you need a little joy. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a Southern favorite that everyone keeps coming back to.
Print
Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are classic, tender, and buttery cookies perfect for pairing with a warm cup of tea. These soft yet slightly crisp treats feature a delicate vanilla flavor and a subtle sweetness, making them a delightful snack or dessert. Easy to prepare and requiring simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is ideal for any baking enthusiast wanting to enjoy a traditional Southern favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Reduce mixer speed to medium, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is well incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture in three additions, mixing thoroughly after each to ensure a consistent dough without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Transfer the cookie dough into a Ziploc or airtight bag and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and improving cookie texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and Arrange Cookies: Scoop the chilled dough using a tablespoon measure. Roll each scoop into a ball, then gently press slightly in the center to flatten. Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cool completely to set the texture before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential to control spreading and enhance flavor.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
