Description
Southern Tea Cakes are a traditional Southern dessert resembling a cross between a cookie and a cake, with a soft, tender crumb and delicate vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These tea cakes can be flavored with lemon or almond extract for variation.
- Dough can be chilled for easier handling and shaping.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea cake
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg