How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now that we have all the ingredients gathered, let’s get started on making these Southern Tea Cake Cookies. The process is simple, but the result is a batch of delightful, soft cookies that will remind you of Southern kitchens and family gatherings.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is crucial, as it helps incorporate air into the dough, which makes for a lighter cookie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugar are well-combined, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a fragrant sweetness to the dough.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you’re using nutmeg or cinnamon, you can add it at this point. These spices add a bit of warmth and traditional Southern flavor to the cookies.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is well-combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies dense. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too soft, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up slightly.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. You can slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to over-bake; Southern Tea Cake Cookies should be soft and tender, not crispy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they can be served as is or dusted with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Southern Tea Cake Cookies
- Adding Zest: For a bright citrusy twist, try adding a little lemon or orange zest to the dough. It gives the cookies a fresh flavor that complements their sweetness.
- Glazing the Cookies: Some people like to top their tea cakes with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and creates a shiny finish on top.
- Storing the Cookies: Southern Tea Cake Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookie dough to bake later, which makes it easy to have freshly baked cookies anytime.
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