Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of *Southern tea cake cookies*! These little gems are soft, sweet, and just the right amount of buttery. Seriously, every time I make them, the house fills with this comforting aroma that brings everyone running to the kitchen. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon with tea, a festive gathering, or just because you need a little sweetness in your life. I remember the first time I baked these cookies; I was a bit nervous, but once I took that first bite, I was hooked! The texture is so tender that they practically melt in your mouth. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close to your heart. Let’s dive into making these delightful Southern tea cake cookies together!
Ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy; we want fluffy cookies!
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This adds the perfect sweetness that pairs so well with the butter.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for the best creaming results.
- 2 large eggs – These help bind everything together and give that lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on this; it’s what gives these cookies their delightful flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This is key for a little lift in the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works together with the baking powder for that perfect rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors, trust me!
How to Prepare Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part: making these delicious Southern tea cake cookies! It’s so easy, and I promise you’ll have a blast. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring these little bites of heaven in no time!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. You can use a hand mixer or just an old-fashioned wooden spoon if you’re feeling strong! It should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the two large eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined; you want that lovely, fluffy texture to start forming.
- Now, grab another bowl for your dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which means a perfect rise!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You don’t want to overmix; just combine until there are no dry spots. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—just what we want!
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space because they’ll spread a bit while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake these beauties!
- Once they’re done, take them out and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is essential; they’ll firm up a little as they cool!
And there you have it! The key to perfect Southern tea cake cookies is in the mixing and baking times, so keep an eye on them. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies
- Quick Preparation: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute treats or unexpected guests.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up without a hitch!
- Delicious Flavor: The buttery sweetness combined with a hint of vanilla makes every bite a delightful experience.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or a bake sale, these cookies fit right in.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: They have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or flavorings to make them your own!
Tips for Success with Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Okay, friends, let me share some of my top tips to ensure your Southern tea cake cookies turn out absolutely perfect every single time! Trust me, a little extra care goes a long way in baking!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in that dreamy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want soft and tender ones!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them around the 10-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center!
- Cool on the Sheet: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart!
- Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright twist, or try mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful Southern tea cake cookies! I can’t wait for you to savor them! Happy baking!
Variations of Southern Tea Cake Cookies
One of the best things about Southern tea cake cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up the flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet surprise in every bite!
- Nutty Goodness: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Just toss in about half a cup.
- Spiced Variations: For a cozy twist, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. This is especially delightful during the fall season!
- Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to your dough for a fun tropical flair! About three-quarters of a cup works perfectly.
- Almond Flavor: Swap out the vanilla for almond extract to create a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Each variation can bring a new and exciting taste, and who doesn’t love a cookie that surprises you? I can’t wait to hear which one becomes your favorite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful Southern tea cake cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly and a few tips if you need to reheat them:
- Storing Cookies: Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-5 days, but trust me, they might not last that long!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later (or hide them from yourself!), you can freeze the cookies. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit.
- Reheating Tips: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit tough! Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore that soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Southern tea cake cookies whenever the craving strikes! Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Let’s take a quick peek at the nutritional info for these delightful Southern tea cake cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s a general idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet! I promise they’re worth every delicious calorie!
FAQ About Southern Tea Cake Cookies
As you embark on your baking journey with these delightful Southern tea cake cookies, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get and my answers to help you out:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different, but still delicious!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little more flour into the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. But be careful not to add too much, or it might alter the texture of your cookies!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough and bake cookies fresh whenever you want!
Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
Over-creaming the butter and sugar can cause your cookies to spread too much. Make sure to cream just until combined. Additionally, if your butter is too soft or melted when you start, it can lead to excessive spreading, so keep it at a proper room temperature!
Can I add other flavors to my Southern tea cake cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even fold in some crushed candy canes during the holidays for a fun twist. The sky’s the limit when it comes to flavoring these delightful cookies!
I hope these answers help clear up any questions you might have! Now, let’s get baking and create some mouthwatering memories with these Southern tea cake cookies!
Imprimer
Southern Tea Cake Cookies: 2 Steps to Sweet Happiness
- Temps Total: 27 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Southern tea cake cookies are soft and sweet treats, perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 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 eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying sugar quantity.
- Add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: southern tea cake cookies, cookies, dessert
