There is something truly comforting and delightful about biting into a warm, buttery cookie that has been a cherished Southern tradition for generations. This Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create soft, tender little cakes with a hint of nutmeg that pairs perfectly with an afternoon cup of tea. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering or just enjoying a nostalgic treat, these tea cakes offer a timeless sweetness that feels like a hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be humble, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for your tea cakes. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the pinch of nutmeg that provides a gentle warmth, every component matters.
- White sugar: Sweetens the tea cakes while helping achieve that tender crumb.
- Butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a bit of structure.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a lovely aromatic layer enhancing the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cakes, giving them their classic shape and softness.
- Baking soda: Helps the tea cakes rise just enough for the perfect softness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, comforting spice that makes these tea cakes uniquely Southern.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking tools and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked tea cakes.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and white sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This creaming process is essential for a tender texture and a cake that gently melts on your tongue.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures your batter is smooth and the vanilla flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. This step evenly spreads the leavening agent and spices, giving your tea cakes their classic taste and perfect rise.
Step 5: Mix wet and dry ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your tea cakes soft and tender rather than dense.
Step 6: Shape the dough
Roll the dough into small, approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place each on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for light spreading during baking.
Step 7: Flatten gently
Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each dough ball. This step helps create the classic tea cake shape and ensures even baking.
Step 8: Bake and cool
Bake the tea cakes for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Then remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cakes set perfectly.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these tea cakes are delicious on their own, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a touch of elegance. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also make delightful accompaniments that highlight the tea cakes’ subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your tea cakes with classic Southern sides like sweet iced tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a fuller treat, serve alongside sliced fresh fruit or a creamy brie cheese, creating a balanced and inviting afternoon snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Love a good presentation? Stack these tea cakes on a charming vintage tray tied with a ribbon for a rustic Southern feel. Or place each on little doilies, then arrange on a tiered cake stand to create a delightful visual for a tea party or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe yields plenty to share, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and scrumptious for 3 to 4 days, ready for another round of tea time indulgence.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the tea cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To refresh your tea cakes, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will reinvigorate their soft texture and bring out that fresh-from-the-oven flavor we all adore.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening in the Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe?
While margarine or shortening can be used, butter provides distinctive flavor and richness that are key to truly authentic Southern tea cakes. Substitutions may alter the taste and texture slightly.
What is the best flour to use for tea cakes?
All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe as it strikes the right balance between structure and tenderness, resulting in soft yet sturdy tea cakes.
Can I add other spices besides nutmeg?
Absolutely! While nutmeg is traditional, you can experiment with cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How do I know when the tea cakes are done baking?
Look for edges that are lightly golden and firm to the touch. The centers will stay soft but not doughy, signaling perfect doneness.
Are Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes suitable for freezing?
Yes, these tea cakes freeze beautifully. Just be sure to freeze them properly and thaw gently to keep their delightful texture intact.
Final Thoughts
Making this Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe is like reaching back in time to bring a bit of Southern warmth and hospitality into your kitchen. The simple steps and humble ingredients combine to create a treat that’s sure to brighten any day. So, gather your butter, sugar, and flour, and bake up a batch — I promise these tea cakes will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing joy with friends and family.
Print
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are soft, buttery cookies with a hint of nutmeg, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These nostalgic treats are simple to prepare and yield tender, flavorful cookies with a delicate texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will help create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl or directly into the wet mixture, stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until just combined, forming a dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Gently press down each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring perfect texture.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted to ensure the right consistency in the dough.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft in the center with lightly golden edges.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
