If you’re yearning for a bite of nostalgia that’s as comforting as a warm breeze on a Southern porch, these Southern Tea Cake Cookies deliver pure joy with every tender nibble. Their old-fashioned charm is all about simplicity and timeless flavor—soft, cake-like cookies with a gentle sweetness and the tiniest kiss of lemon if you like. Whether you grew up with a tin of these hidden in Grandma’s pantry or you’re meeting them for the very first time, Southern Tea Cake Cookies are bound to become a treasured treat in your kitchen.

Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Southern Tea Cake Cookies lies in their humble, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a starring role in bringing that tender crumb, delicate sweetness, and homey flavor that defines this Southern classic.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Creamy, dreamy butter gives these cookies their soft, rich texture and that unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated Sugar (1½ cups): Just the right touch of sweetness, helping to create a delicate crumb and light golden edges.
Large Eggs (2): Eggs add structure and a bit of extra richness—don’t skip them for perfect cakey cookies!
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Classic, fragrant vanilla brings warmth to every bite and rounds out the flavor.
Lemon Extract (½ teaspoon, optional): If you want a subtle, bright lift, lemon extract wakes up the dough. Leave it out for a truly traditional flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The foundation of the cookie—be sure to spoon and level for tender results.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just enough rise and softness.
Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a little extra lift, helping the cookies stay light and fluffy.
Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch balances the flavors and enhances all the sweet notes.
Whole Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Just enough to bring the dough together so it’s perfectly smooth and easy to roll.

How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set the stage for perfect cookies by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This small step ensures even baking and easy cleanup—plus, you don’t risk any cookies sticking!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This helps dissolve the sugar and introduces air for a softer, lighter cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla (and lemon extract, if you’re using it). This step locks in all those lovely flavors and ensures your dough is smooth and cohesive.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate these dry ingredients gradually into the butter and egg mixture, mixing just until everything is blended. You don’t want to over-mix at this stage—just enough for a soft dough to form!

Step 5: Adjust Dough and Shape Cookies

Add the whole milk to your dough, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together and is easy to roll. Scoop the dough by heaping tablespoons or use a cookie scoop to make 1-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each, and gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges. Keeping the centers soft is key—don’t be tempted to overbake! Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Serve Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Garnishes

For a classic look, a simple dusting of powdered sugar always feels right—pretty and irresistibly sweet. You could also drizzle the cooled cookies with a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk or even a bit of lemon juice for an elegant finish. These little touches make each batch feel special and celebratory.

Side Dishes

Pair your Southern Tea Cake Cookies with a cold glass of sweet tea or a mug of coffee for true Southern comfort. They’re also dreamy serving alongside a bowl of fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a simple fruit compote. Their gentle sweetness makes them a versatile partner to so many treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the cookies on a vintage plate for a Southern afternoon tea, or stack them in cellophane bags for thoughtful edible gifts. For gatherings, display them on a tiered cake stand surrounded by sprigs of fresh mint, or offer them on a rustic wooden board with honey and fruit for a cozy down-home dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Southern Tea Cake Cookies as fresh as the day they were baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and irresistible for about 3 to 4 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. When cravings strike, thaw at room temperature or warm gently for a just-baked feel—perfect for planning ahead.

Reheating

Give day-old or thawed cookies a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven to restore their soft, tender bite. They come back to life beautifully—almost as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance, wrap it tightly, and chill it in the fridge. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature before rolling and baking for best results.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

You can simply leave it out for a more traditional Southern Tea Cake Cookies flavor, or substitute with a bit of fresh lemon zest if you’d like a light citrus note without the extract.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch. Just remember to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to keep the flavors balanced and prevent the cookies from tasting too salty.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Be careful not to overbake! Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set and blond in color. Storing them in an airtight container also helps lock in the softness.

Is it possible to decorate Southern Tea Cake Cookies?

Definitely! A simple glaze, colored sanding sugars, or even a dip in melted chocolate can dress these cookies up for holidays, birthdays, or showers. Let your imagination guide you!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Southern Tea Cake Cookies have stood the test of time—they’re unforgettably tender, soulful, and absolutely delightful with every single bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch. It’s a simple pleasure you’ll want to revisit again and again, and sharing these with friends or family will make memories you’ll cherish for years to come.