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—perfect for any occasion or even just a cozy afternoon at home. I remember the first time I tasted them at my grandmother’s house; she’d serve them fresh out of the oven, the warm aroma wrapping around me like a hug. Each bite felt like a slice of nostalgia, bringing back memories of family gatherings and laughter. Trust me, once you try making these cookies yourself, you’ll be hooked! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, and I promise they will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a beloved staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create those delightful southern tea cake cookies! Gather these simple ingredients and let’s get baking:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them structure and that classic soft texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! It balances the flavors and creates that lovely sweetness we all crave.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The magic ingredient that adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel. Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing!
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor—trust me, it’s essential!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise, giving them that delightful puffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
How to Prepare Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now, let’s get those southern tea cake cookies baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of soft, sweet cookies ready in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly right from the start!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too! Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth—this adds such a lovely flavor!
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
- Now, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space to spread because they’ll puff up as they bake!
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Finally, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious southern tea cake cookies ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these cookies up in no time—perfect for when you need a last-minute treat!
- Soft and Buttery: The texture of these southern tea cake cookies is simply heavenly. Each bite is soft, buttery, and melts in your mouth!
- Endless Customization: Feel free to get creative! You can add lemon zest for a zingy twist, or toss in chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: You can easily make a big batch and freeze them for later. They’re just as delicious when thawed!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: These cookies are a hit with kids! They’ll love helping you drop the dough on the baking sheet and, of course, tasting them afterward.
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking those scrumptious southern tea cake cookies, let me share some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and softer cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be tender and soft!
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better when baking. Plus, it enhances the flavors!
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They’re done when the edges are just golden; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, or mix in nuts for a little crunch—these cookies are super versatile!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag. They’ll taste just as good when thawed!
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be on your way to baking the most delightful southern tea cake cookies that everyone will love!
Variations of Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s have some fun with these southern tea cake cookies! One of the best things about baking is the opportunity to get creative, and these cookies are no exception. Here are some delightful variations you can try:
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon or two of freshly grated lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness!
- Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love a classic combo? Toss in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent twist!
- Nutty Goodness: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and a lovely nutty flavor that elevates the cookies!
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the cookies—perfect for cozy gatherings or fall festivities!
- Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique flavor profile that gives a nod to classic Southern baking!
- Frosted Delight: After the cookies cool, top them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of baking is that it’s all about what makes you happy. So, grab your apron and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a delicious batch of southern tea cake cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store and reheat them so they stay delightful:
- Storage: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you’re like me and can’t resist eating the entire batch in one sitting, you might want to double the recipe!
- Freezing: To enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature!
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can easily reheat them. Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a chewy texture instead of that soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Following these storage and reheating tips ensures you’ll always have a delicious cookie on hand, whether it’s for a quick snack or a sweet treat to share with friends. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Before I share the typical nutritional values for these southern tea cake cookies, I want to remind you that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, always take them with a pinch of salt (no pun intended!). Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 100
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
These delightful cookies are a sweet treat, and while they’re not a health food, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Just remember to savor every bite, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a nice balance!
How do I store leftover southern tea cake cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them!
Can I substitute the butter for a different fat?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or even margarine if you prefer. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing. The flavor may vary a bit, but they’ll still be delightful!
What can I serve with southern tea cake cookies?
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. You could even serve them alongside some fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a lovely dessert!
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges! They should be lightly golden when your cookies are ready to come out of the oven. The centers might look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Or you can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container!
What if I don’t have eggs?
No worries! You can substitute each egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the cookies just fine!
Southern Tea Cake Cookies: 7 Sweet Secrets for Magic Bites
- Temps Total: 27 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Southern tea cake cookies are soft, sweet cookies that are 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 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- For a twist, add lemon zest or chocolate chips.
- 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: 100
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 4g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 1g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: southern tea cake cookies
