Description
These Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are classic soft, buttery cookies perfect for teatime or any occasion. With a hint of nutmeg and a tender crumb, they combine simple ingredients to create comforting, melt-in-your-mouth treats that have been beloved in Southern kitchens for generations.
Ingredients
Scale
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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten the Dough Balls: Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a slight disc shape for even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the tea cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should remain soft in the middle.
- You can add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Store cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, ensure all ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities if allergies are a concern.
