Introduction
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a timeless treat that embody the comforting charm of Southern hospitality.
With their delicate, buttery crumb and a hint of warm spice from nutmeg, these tea cakes are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
This classic recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers a satisfying texture and nostalgic flavor, making them an ideal snack or dessert for any occasion.
Whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or creating new ones, these tea cakes bring a little piece of Southern tradition right into your home.
Ingredients :
1 ¾ cups white sugar.
1 cup butter
2 large eggs.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour.
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; stir into creamed mixture.
Knead dough for a few turns on a floured board until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness.
Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on the cookie sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Here are some creative variations and practical tips to elevate your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes:
Variations
Citrus Twist:
Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the creamed mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutty Addition:
Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough for added crunch and richness.
Brown Sugar Option:
Replace part or all of the white sugar with brown sugar to introduce a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Spice It Up:
Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger along with the nutmeg for a warm spice blend.
Almond Extract:
Swap or combine vanilla extract with almond extract (use half the amount) to impart a subtle nutty aroma.
Glaze or Icing:
Once cooled, drizzle the tea cakes with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Tea Cakes
Butter at Room Temperature:
Use softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough.
Creaming is Key:
Beat the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy—this step helps incorporate air and improves texture.
Eggs One at a Time:
Adding eggs individually helps to maintain a smooth, well-emulsified dough.
Chill the Dough:
Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and cut into shapes without crumbling.
Light Dusting of Flour:
Flour your work surface and rolling pin lightly to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much, as it can dry out the dough.
Uniform Shapes:
Use cookie cutters of similar sizes and shapes to ensure even baking.
Monitor Baking Time:
Keep a close eye on the tea cakes in the oven—they bake quickly. For softer centers, aim for the lower end of the suggested time; for crisper edges, a minute or two extra might be just right.
Proper Cooling:
Let the tea cakes cool on a wire rack to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess from steam.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations and tips to create your perfect batch of Southern tea cakes!
How to Store Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Cool Completely:
Allow the tea cakes to cool fully on a wire rack before storing. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
Room Temperature Storage:
Place the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration:
If you need to store them a bit longer, you can keep the tea cakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven to revive their softness.
Freezing:
Preparation: Once the tea cakes are completely cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freezing Process: Freeze for 1–2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Storage Duration: They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
These storage methods will help maintain the taste and texture of your Southern Tea Cakes. Enjoy!
Approximate Nutritional Information (per tea cake)
- Calories: ~187 kcal
- Total Fat: ~8 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Cholesterol: ~36 mg
- Sodium: ~50 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Sugars: ~15 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~0.4 g
- Protein: ~2 g