Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Southern tea cake cookies! These little gems are the epitome of comfort in cookie form—soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. Growing up, my grandma would whip up a batch every Sunday, filling the house with that irresistible aroma that instantly made you feel at home. I can still picture her rolling out the dough, flour dusting her apron, as we gathered around the kitchen table, waiting impatiently for the first batch to cool. They’re more than just cookies; they hold memories of family gatherings and laughter. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them at a picnic, these cookies are a delightful treat that capture the heart of Southern baking. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart!
Ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Southern tea cake cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let the butter sit at room temperature until it’s nice and soft, making it easier to cream with the sugar.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweet and simple, this is what gives our cookies that delightful sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Bring your egg to room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This will add a lovely depth of flavor to your cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This little bit helps your cookies rise just the right amount.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this! A pinch of salt enhances all the sweet flavors.
Having everything prepped and measured out will make the baking process a breeze. Trust me, it’s worth the little bit of extra effort to ensure everything is perfect!
How to Prepare Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Southern tea cake cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it airy, so don’t rush this step!
- Add the egg and vanilla: Crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Oh, the smell of vanilla is just divine!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour.
- Mix it all together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
- Shape the cookies: Using a spoon or your hands, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake to perfection: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for lightly golden edges—this means they’re just right!
- Cooling time: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for allowing them to set perfectly!
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with soft, buttery Southern tea cake cookies that will melt in your mouth. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share (or not, no judgment here!).
Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies come together in a flash!
- Delightfully Buttery: The rich, buttery flavor melts in your mouth, making them irresistible with every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain, or dress them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a fun twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in!
- Freeze Well: Make a big batch and freeze some for later—these cookies are just as delicious after thawing!
Tips for Success with Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Let’s ensure your Southern tea cake cookies turn out perfectly every time! Here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly, giving your cookies that delightful texture we all love.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and tender!
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
- Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative! Adding a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract can give your cookies a unique twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
- Baking Sheet Matters: Use a light-colored baking sheet if possible, as dark sheets can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly. If you notice they’re browning too fast, just lower the oven temperature a bit.
- Cooling Rack: Don’t skip the cooling rack after baking! It allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious Southern tea cake cookies. Happy baking!
FAQ About Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get about these delightful Southern tea cake cookies, along with tips to make your baking experience even better.
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is traditional, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture, or even gluten-free blends if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind that different flours may affect the final texture.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your Southern tea cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about two months.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to give your cookies a little extra personality. Just make sure not to overload them, as you want to maintain that soft texture!
What should I serve with these cookies?
Southern tea cake cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter alongside fruit or a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking. Or, you can bake them ahead and store them—just remember to keep them in a sealed container to maintain their softness!
What’s the secret to getting the perfect texture?
The key is all in the mixing and baking! Cream your butter and sugar well to incorporate air, and be careful not to overmix once you add the flour. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking to ensure they come out just right!
Hopefully, these answers help inspire your baking adventures! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask—I’m here to help you create the best Southern tea cake cookies possible!
Nutritional Information for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for these delightful Southern tea cake cookies. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use, so this is just a general guideline. Here’s what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
So, while you’re indulging in these cookies, you can feel good knowing what’s in them! Just remember, moderation is key, and sharing (if you can resist) makes them even more delightful!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving these delightful Southern tea cake cookies! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- With a Cup of Tea: There’s nothing quite like pairing these soft cookies with a warm cup of your favorite tea. The buttery goodness complements the flavors beautifully, creating a cozy moment.
- At a Picnic: These cookies are perfect for outdoor gatherings! Pack them up for a picnic and watch them disappear as friends and family savor each bite.
- For Dessert Buffets: If you’re hosting a gathering, include Southern tea cake cookies on your dessert table. They add a lovely homemade touch and go wonderfully with other sweets like brownies or fruit tarts.
- With Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. Crumble the cookies on top for an extra crunch!
- During the Holidays: These cookies are a great addition to holiday cookie trays. They look beautiful alongside colorful cookies and are sure to be a hit with everyone!
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Southern tea cake cookies will bring smiles and satisfaction to any occasion. Enjoy every moment—and every bite!
Print
Southern Tea Cake Cookies with 2 Secret Ingredients Revealed
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern tea cake cookies are soft, buttery cookies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- You can add lemon or almond extract for different flavors.
- These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: southern tea cake cookies
