If you have a soft spot for classic Southern treats, then this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe is sure to steal your heart. These tender, buttery cookies have just the right hint of nutmeg and a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth, evoking warm memories of afternoon tea with grandma. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just craving a comforting snack, this delightful recipe offers a slice of Southern hospitality in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and subtle spice that defines these charming cookies.
- White sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, so use unsalted for best results.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s moistness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: The structure for the dough, creating soft but sturdy tea cakes.
- Baking soda: A small lift agent that helps lightly aerate the cookies.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, cozy spice that brings nostalgic Southern charm.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Sugar and Butter
Start by beating the sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, ensuring that your tea cakes end up tender and not dense.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, include the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the dough emulsifies properly. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that unmistakable warm aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. The nutmeg here adds a subtle hint of spice that makes these tea cakes truly special.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it briefly. Then wrap it up and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This resting period firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and ensuring your cookies keep their shape when baked.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll out the chilled dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters. Classic circles work beautifully, but feel free to get creative!
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the cutouts onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a delicate golden color. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest prevents them from breaking, so you get perfect, sturdy tea cakes ready for sharing.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these tea cakes are perfect on their own, you can elevate them with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey glaze. A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a swipe of homemade fruit preserves can add extra delight.
Side Dishes
Pair these tea cakes with a steaming cup of black tea or a chilled glass of sweet tea for that authentic Southern experience. Fresh berries or lemon curd also complement the nutmeg-spiced flavor beautifully during your tea time.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your tea cakes on a vintage tiered tray alongside petite sandwiches and other finger treats for a charming afternoon gathering. Wrap a few in parchment tied with twine for lovely homemade gifts that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your tea cakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold up well for about a week, maintaining their tender texture and buttery flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked tea cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored tea cakes, warm them briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their fresh-baked texture and aroma, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine in this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe?
While margarine can be used, butter is preferred here because it provides richer flavor and better texture. Margarine may result in a less tender, slightly different taste.
What’s the purpose of chilling the dough before baking?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping their shape intact.
Can I add other spices instead of nutmeg?
Absolutely! Cinnamon or a pinch of allspice can work well if you want to experiment. However, nutmeg gives that iconic Southern warmth perfectly suited for this recipe.
How large are the tea cakes when baked?
They are typically smaller than standard cookies, around 2 to 3 inches in diameter, making them ideal for afternoon tea or snacking without overwhelming your palate.
Are these tea cakes suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the dough balls before baking if you wish. Just shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe is a treasure worth making again and again, perfect for evoking cozy moments and sharing soul-soothing sweetness. I can’t wait for you to taste these tender, fragrant cookies and experience a little piece of Southern comfort in every bite. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your own recipe collection.
Print
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are tender, buttery cookies subtly flavored with nutmeg. These delightful treats are easy to make, featuring a light and fluffy texture, perfect for serving alongside tea or coffee. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward preparation, these cookies bring a nostalgic touch to any gathering.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the white sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add a fragrant sweetness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the flour.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Knead and Chill: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it briefly to bring it together. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes; chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about ¼-inch thickness, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Place the cutouts onto ungreased baking sheets, spaced about 1 ½ inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and lets the cookies set perfectly.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust salt accordingly.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture during creaming.
- Do not overbake; these cookies are best when soft and slightly chewy.
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top before baking for extra crunch and sweetness.
