If you’re craving a warm, buttery treat that brings a touch of nostalgia with every bite, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect delight: the Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe. This classic Southern sweet is simple yet deeply satisfying, boasting a tender crumb with just the right hint of vanilla and almond. Whether you grew up with these treats or are discovering them for the first time, they are absolutely irresistible when paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It’s a timeless recipe that never fails to comfort and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples that come together to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your tea cakes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the subtle sweetness of sugar, making this a wonderfully approachable recipe.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of your tea cakes, providing structure and softness.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures a gentle rise for light, fluffy cakes each time.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and slightly caramelizes for a delicate crunch.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the tea cakes with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Almond extract (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp, if needed): Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.
- Additional granulated sugar: For sprinkling on top to create that signature sweet crunch.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. Preparing early will keep your workflow smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well mixed. This step ensures your tea cakes rise evenly and have just the right hint of saltiness that brings out the sweetness.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This aeration is important for a soft texture once baked.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is well combined. These flavorful ingredients add warmth and that classic Southern charm to your tea cakes.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of milk to bring it together without making it sticky.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or even the rim of a glass to cut out circles, and place these on your prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake
Sprinkle a touch of granulated sugar on the tops of each tea cake before popping them in the oven. This adds a delightful sparkle and crunch to the finished product. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid drying them out.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set just right and maintain their tender texture.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these tea cakes are wonderful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle spread of homemade jam adds a lovely touch. A few toasted nuts or a tiny dollop of clotted cream also make for elegant yet simple garnishes.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a steaming cup of Southern-style sweet tea, black coffee, or even spiced chai for a cozy and complete afternoon treat. Fresh fruit like sliced peaches or berries pairs beautifully to balance the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming tea time, arrange your Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe on a tiered serving tray adorned with fresh flowers. You can also sandwich them with cream or fruit preserves for a delightful twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy these treats without worrying about them going stale too quickly.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the tea cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready.
Reheating
To bring back their freshly baked charm, warm your tea cakes in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and buttery flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting your tea cakes. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.
Is almond extract necessary in this recipe?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely, subtle nutty depth that complements the vanilla beautifully, giving the tea cakes a classic Southern flair.
Can I make these tea cakes gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, but many have had success making this adjustment.
How do I store tea cakes to keep them from getting hard?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to lock in moisture. Avoid refrigerating as this can dry them out more quickly.
What’s the best way to cut the dough?
Use a round cookie cutter or even a drinking glass rim to cut out shapes evenly. Lightly flour your cutter to prevent sticking and ensure smooth edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and warmth of the Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe. It’s a heartwarming treat that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy a sweet moment of Southern hospitality in your own kitchen. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and fall in love with it just like I did!
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Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Traditional Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are tender, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla and almond, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for serving alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, these charming treats are easy to make and delightfully crisp on the outside while soft inside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed to bring dough together)
Finishing Touch
- Additional granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 2 to 3 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to bring it together into a soft dough.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out circles, then place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Sugar: Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar over each dough circle to add a sweet, crunchy topping once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tea cakes for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown. Monitor carefully to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.
- Cool: Remove the tea cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and crisp up.
- Serve: Enjoy these delightful tea cakes alongside your favorite tea or coffee for a classic Southern treat.
Notes
- If the dough is too crumbly, add milk a little bit at a time to achieve the right consistency.
- For a slight nutty flavor, almond extract can be added, but it is optional.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid dry cookies; edges should be lightly golden.
- Use a light hand when mixing flour into the wet ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
- These tea cakes are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
