Southern Tea Cake Cookies: A Classic Treat from the South

Few recipes evoke the charm and warmth of Southern hospitality quite like Southern Tea Cake Cookies. These classic cookies have been enjoyed for generations, offering a nostalgic taste of simpler times. Traditionally served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are tender, buttery, and slightly sweet, with a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.

There’s something so comforting about baking and enjoying Southern Tea Cake Cookies. Their soft texture, sweet flavor, and simple ingredients make them a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them alongside a cup of tea, with a glass of milk, or just enjoy them on their own, these cookies are sure to bring a taste of Southern warmth into your home.

Southern Tea Cake Cookies are not only delicious but also steeped in tradition. They remind us of family gatherings, grandmothers’ kitchens, and the joys of sharing good food with loved ones. Once you bake these, you’ll understand why they’ve remained a Southern classic for so long.

Ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies

The ingredients in tea cakes are simple, but each one plays an important role in creating the cookie’s soft, delicate texture and rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie, providing structure and softness.
1 cup of sugar – For that perfect amount of sweetness.
1 teaspoon of baking powder – Helps give the cookies their light and fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon of baking soda – Assists in the rising process to make them slightly cake-like.
½ teaspoon of salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies a soft texture.
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – A must-have for a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Optional: Ground nutmeg or cinnamon – Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor (a common variation in many Southern homes