Southern tea cake cookies are like a warm hug on a plate! They’re soft, sweet, and just melt in your mouth. Every time I bake these, I’m reminded of family gatherings where the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, making everyone feel right at home. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering. Seriously, you don’t need to be a pro baker to make these delightful treats. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
To get started on these delicious southern tea cake cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together beautifully to create cookies that are soft, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for that perfect creamy blend with the sugar! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now, let’s dive into making these delightful southern tea cake cookies! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you’re done. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this until it’s nice and smooth—about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy!
Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and you can’t see any egg streaks. The aroma of vanilla will make your heart sing!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; a light whisk should do the trick!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I usually do this in three parts, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies soft and chewy!
Shape and Bake
Now, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack, and try not to eat them all at once!
Tips for Success
To make sure your southern tea cake cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, ensure your butter is at room temperature; it makes a world of difference in achieving that light, fluffy texture. If you want a bit more zest, try adding some lemon zest to the dough—it really elevates the flavor! Also, be careful not to overbake them; they should be just lightly golden around the edges. Finally, let them cool on the baking rack to keep that soft texture intact. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your cookies to the next level!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
These southern tea cake cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at a cozy afternoon tea with friends or as a delightful treat during holiday gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet tea—just imagine the bliss! You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance. Whether you’re sharing them with family or saving them for yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Nutritional Information for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
When it comes to enjoying these delightful southern tea cake cookies, it’s always nice to know what’s in them! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Fiber: 0g
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But knowing these details can help you enjoy your cookies even more—after all, balance is key in any delicious treat!
FAQ About Southern Tea Cake Cookies
How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
If you’re looking to amp up the flavor of your southern tea cake cookies, one of my favorite tricks is to add lemon zest! Just a teaspoon or two will brighten everything up and give your cookies a lovely citrusy note. You could also experiment with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm twist, or even a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is the go-to for these southern tea cake cookies, you can try using cake flour for an even softer texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a blend of whole wheat flour can add a nice nuttiness and a bit more fiber. Just keep in mind that different flours may change the texture slightly, so it’s a fun experiment to see what you like best!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your delicious southern tea cake cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. It’s like having a little taste of heaven waiting for you!
Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone adores
- Sweet flavor that’s simply irresistible
- Versatile for any occasion—tea time, parties, or just because!
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have
Equipment Needed for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
To whip up these scrumptious southern tea cake cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Grab a mixing bowl for combining your ingredients, measuring cups for accuracy, a baking sheet to hold your cookies, and a wire rack for cooling. That’s it—let’s get baking!
Print
Southern Tea Cake Cookies: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern tea cake cookies are soft, sweet cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding lemon zest.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- 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: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: southern tea cake cookies
