Craving a taste of Southern tradition? This Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes recipe brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen with its simple, buttery goodness. Perfect for 24 cookies, these tender, lightly spiced treats are easy to make and loved by all ages. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake a batch of history-inspired comfort food!
Why You’ll Love These Southern Tea Cakes
This recipe captures the charm of a bygone era. First, its subtle sweetness and nutmeg hint make it uniquely comforting. Next, the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs perfectly with a cold drink. Finally, as readers like Carla Johnson and Sapora Montgomery note, these tea cakes evoke cherished family memories—think after-school snacks with grape Kool-Aid, as Asbie Johnson recalls.
Ingredients for Your Southern Tea Cakes
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this classic dessert:
Dough
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar (350g) : Provides a gentle sweetness.
- 1 cup butter (225g) : Softened, for a rich, tender base.
- 2 large eggs : Add moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract : Brings a warm, familiar flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g) : Forms the soft, sturdy dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda : Helps with a slight rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt : Balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg : Adds that signature Southern spice.
How to Make Your Southern Tea Cakes
Follow these steps to bake this nostalgic treat, as requested by Robert Hudson and others eager to cook them:
1. Mix the Dough
Beat the sugar and softened butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to keep the batter smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract next. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
2. Knead and Chill
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few turns until smooth. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to roll out, as Irma Pierson noted about its simplicity.
3. Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to a ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes—rounds, hearts, or stars work well. Place the cookies 1 ½ inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. For shaping tips, see our Guide to Perfect Cookies.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden. Watch closely to avoid overbaking, keeping that tender texture Dorothy Clark and Shierelle Thompson loved from their moms’ versions. Cool the cookies briefly on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Savor these Southern Tea Cakes fresh from the oven or cooled, just like Beverly Ray and Karen Poleder remember from childhood. Pair them with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk for a true Southern experience.
Tips for Perfect Southern Tea Cakes
- Chill the dough : This prevents spreading and ensures clean cuts.
- Adjust nutmeg : Increase to ½ teaspoon if you love a stronger spice flavor.
- Keep them soft : Bake just until the edges are golden, not browned, for that classic texture Addie Auzenne adores.
Variations for Your Southern Tea Cakes
Want to personalize this recipe? Try these ideas:
- Lemon Zest : Add zest from one lemon for a citrus twist.
- Sugar Topping : Sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Dip : Dip half in melted chocolate. Explore more classics with our Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
Storage and Serving
Store these Southern Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for 2 months. Serve them as a nostalgic snack, just like the memories shared by our readers—perfect with a smile, as Asbie Johnson fondly recalls.
Conclusion: A Taste of the Past
This Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes recipe is more than a dessert—it’s a trip down memory lane, as fans like Sapora Montgomery and Dorothy Clark attest. Simple, delicious, and steeped in tradition, it’s a must-try for any baker. Make a batch today and share your story in the comments! For more vintage treats, check our Pecan Pie Recipe on Vicky’s Recipes.
