Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a delightful nod to the traditional Southern tea cakes, known for their simple yet irresistible flavor and soft texture. These cookies offer a hint of nutmeg for a warmly spiced background, making them a perfect companion for your afternoon tea or as a comforting treat any time of the day.
Southern Tea Cake Cookies
With their soft, cake-like texture, these cookies are a less dense version of the classic Southern tea cake. They are simple to make, requiring just basic ingredients, but the result is a subtly sweet and beautifully flavored cookie that’s hard to resist.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes refrigeration)
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Serving: 12 cookies
- Equipment: Baking sheet, mixer, medium bowl
Recipe Title: Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer set on high.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate the flour mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until everything is just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps in handling the dough.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Shape the cookies: Using a small ice cream scoop, melon baller, or two spoons, measure out 12 one-tablespoon portions of the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball very slightly with the bottom of a cup.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Southern Tea Cake Cookies are wonderfully versatile—perfect for a light dessert, a sweet snack, or as part of a holiday cookie assortment. Their old-fashioned charm and delightful taste make them a favorite for all ages. Enjoy these tender, lightly spiced cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat.