Light & Airy: Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

Southern tea cake cookies weave a nostalgic tapestry of comfort and tradition that connects generations through their delicate sweetness.

These tender morsels carry whispers of old-fashioned kitchens where love was baked into every crumb.

Passed down through countless family gatherings, this classic Southern tea cake cookie recipe captures the essence of warm hospitality.

Each bite promises a delicate dance of buttery richness and gentle sugar notes that melt effortlessly on the tongue.

Light as a cloud and soft as a summer breeze, these cookies embody the gentle soul of Southern baking.

Simple ingredients transform into magical treats that spark memories of afternoon conversations and shared laughter.

You’ll find these cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re an edible embrace of Southern culinary heritage waiting to grace your table.

FAQs

• Are Southern Tea Cake Cookies difficult to make?

These cookies are surprisingly simple! Even beginners can successfully bake them with basic baking skills and standard kitchen equipment.

• What's the secret to getting the perfect texture?

Chilling the dough is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their classic soft, tender texture during baking.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. This makes them great for planning ahead for gatherings or events.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. A basic hand mixer or stand mixer, mixing bowls, and cookie cutters are all you’ll require to create these delightful treats.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

Southern Tea Cake Cookie Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for classic Southern tea cake texture.
• Baking Powder: Creates light, soft rise and ensures cookies maintain delicate, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the cookie.

• Granulated Sugar: Delivers perfect sweetness and helps create golden, crisp edges.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings rich, smooth flavor and contributes to tender cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor characteristic of Southern baking.
• Milk: Optional ingredient to adjust dough consistency and soften texture if needed.

• Egg Yolk: Creates beautiful golden sheen when brushed on cookie surfaces before baking.
• Flour (For Dusting): Prevents dough from sticking during rolling and cutting process.

Tools That Make These Southern Cookies a Breeze

• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe results.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out cookie dough to the right thickness.
• Cookie Cutter: Creates classic round or creative shape tea cakes.
• Baking Sheet: Flat surface for baking cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Helps transfer and handle delicate cookies.

Bake Soft and Classic Tea Cakes at Home

• Craft Dry Base

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl until perfectly blended. Set aside for later mixing.

• Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixer and beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, creamy cloud. Thisal process takes about 3-4 minutes of continuous blending.

• Introduce Moisture

Pour in egg and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth and completely incorporated.

• Merge Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently to create a soft dough. If the mixture feels too stiff, splash in a little milk to loosen things up.

• Chill and Rest

Wrap dough in plastic and send it to the refrigerator for a 30-minute relaxation. This helps prevent cookies from spreading wildly during baking.

• Shape and Prepare

Heat oven to 350F. Dust your workspace with flour and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create delightful shapes.

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookies on a lined baking sheet. Optional: Brush with egg yolk for a golden glow. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden color.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve with tea, coffee, or simply devour as a sweet afternoon treat.

Tips to Get That Just-Right Texture

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure perfect creamy texture and smooth incorporation into dough.
• Gently sift flour before measuring to prevent dense, heavy cookies and guarantee light, delicate Southern-style tea cakes.
• Refrigerating dough helps prevent cookie spread and intensifies flavor profiles, creating more structured and flavorful tea cakes.
• Replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend to make these tea cakes accessible for those with wheat sensitivities without sacrificing traditional taste.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar after cooling or add a touch of almond extract for an elevated, sophisticated twist on the classic Southern tea cake recipe.

Serve with Tea or a Glass of Milk

• Cozy Afternoon Break: Pair these delicate tea cakes with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a classic Southern-style relaxation moment.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon, perfect for homemade gifts or sharing with friends and family during special occasions.
• Nostalgic Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh fruit compote or lemon curd for a delightful brunch spread that brings comfort and southern hospitality to the table.

Store in a Tin to Keep Them Tender

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Seal cookies in a ziplock bag or sealed container in the refrigerator for extended freshness. Place a small piece of bread inside to help maintain moisture and softness.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore original texture.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for up to 3 days before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying. For longer storage, freeze dough balls for up to 2 months, ready to bake directly from frozen state.

Fluffy Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Southern tea cake cookies blend nostalgic Southern charm with sweet comfort. Delicate crumbly textures and subtle vanilla notes promise a heartwarming dessert experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for a traditional touch)

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Instructions

1. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a lump-free, uniform blend.
2. Butter Mixture: Cream softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, pale, and incredibly fluffy.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until achieving a smooth, silky consistency.
4. Dough Formation: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients with minimal stirring to prevent tough cookies. Adjust dough consistency with milk if needed, then wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Dough Shaping: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Baking Preparation: Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight space between each. Optionally, brush with egg yolk for a golden finish.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden while maintaining a soft center. Transfer to a cooling rack, allowing complete cooling before serving or storing.

Notes

• Chill for Texture: Refrigerating the dough prevents cookies from spreading too much and enhances their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Minimal Mixing Magic: Gently fold dry ingredients to avoid developing tough gluten, keeping the cookies soft and delicate.
• Egg Wash Elegance: Brushing with egg yolk creates a beautiful golden sheen and adds a professional bakery-like finish.
• Versatile Customization: Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes or add subtle spices like cinnamon for personalized variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 151
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg