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Southern tea cake recipe

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe

  • Author: Sozan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 min chill)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, tender, and delicately spiced with nutmeg, these Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a beloved Southern treat. Somewhere between a cookie and a cake, they’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and bring back nostalgic flavors of traditional Southern baking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups white sugar

  • 1 cup butter (softened)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg


Instructions

  • Beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

  • Stir in vanilla.

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until dough forms.

  • Knead briefly on floured surface, then chill dough for 30 minutes.

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

  • Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut into shapes.

  • Place on baking sheet spaced 1½ inches apart.

  • Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

  • Cool on sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.


Notes

For extra flavor, add a touch of lemon zest or cinnamon.

These cookies are soft, not crispy – don’t overbake.

Dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight.

Great for holidays, tea parties, or gifting.


Nutrition

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg