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southern tea cake cookies

Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Old-fashioned Southern tea cakes are tender, cake-like cookies with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg. Simple, comforting, and timeless.

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but traditional)
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven

    • Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • Cream butter & sugar

    • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

  • Add wet ingredients

    • Beat in eggs one at a time. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

  • Mix dry ingredients

    • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

  • Combine

    • Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Dough should be slightly sticky but workable.

  • Shape cookies

    • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

    • Flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.

  • Bake

    • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should remain soft.

 

  • Cool & serve

    • Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Traditional Flavor: Nutmeg is classic, but you can swap for lemon zest or almond extract.

  • Texture: For a softer, cake-like cookie, don’t overbake. For slightly crisp edges, bake 1–2 minutes longer.

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

 

  • Serving Idea: Dust with powdered sugar or glaze lightly with lemon icing.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: Bake time: 12 minutes per batch Cooling time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Per Cookie – 1 of 30
  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
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