Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

Save this recipe on:

If you’ve never had a Southern Tea Cake Cookie, you’re in for a nostalgic treat that tastes like it came straight from your grandma’s kitchen. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet, with a rich vanilla-butter flavor and a cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. They’re the kind of cookies that make you close your eyes with the first bite and smile with memories of simpler days.

Popular throughout the Southern United States, Tea Cakes aren’t quite cakes and aren’t quite sugar cookies either. They’re their own category of comfort food—perfectly sweetened, lightly spiced if you like, and absolutely irresistible with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to enjoy a lazy afternoon, these cookies bring Southern charm to any moment.

---

Why You’ll Love This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

• Comforting and Nostalgic: These cookies bring back memories of family kitchens and cozy afternoons.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
• Versatile Flavor: Delicious on their own or adaptable with lemon zest, nutmeg, or almond extract.
• Soft and Cake-like: The texture is fluffy and tender, not overly chewy or crisp.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a lovely homemade treat for friends and neighbors.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. A medium and a large should cover your needs.
2. Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly is key to getting that fluffy texture.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters in baking. Dry and liquid measurements should be exact.
4. Rubber Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size for even baking.
6. Baking Sheets: Use light-colored metal sheets for even heat distribution.
7. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Keeps the cookies from sticking and aids in easy cleanup.
8. Cooling Rack: Helps the cookies cool down quickly and evenly without becoming soggy.

---

Ingredients for the Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

• Unsalted Butter: The base of richness—make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives these cookies their iconic soft bite.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for that classic warm flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone that forms the soft, cakey structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps lift the dough and give it a fluffier texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• (Optional) Nutmeg or Lemon Zest: A touch of spice or citrus adds personality and warmth.

---

How To Make the Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that light, cake-like texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using nutmeg or lemon zest, mix it in now.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. This step prevents spreading and enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into even balls and space them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm or room temp.

---

How to Serve and Store Southern Tea Cake Cookies

These cookies are delightful as-is but even better paired with warm drinks. Serve them with tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or even a tall glass of milk for that classic Southern vibe. For a more indulgent take, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temp or warm slightly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a tea cake and a sugar cookie?

Tea cakes are softer and more cake-like than typical sugar cookies. They’re thicker, fluffier, and often have a subtler sweetness.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Absolutely. Nutmeg, cinnamon, or lemon zest are lovely additions that enhance flavor without overpowering the classic taste.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling helps the dough firm up so the cookies don’t spread too much. It also develops better flavor.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is strongly recommended for the rich, homemade flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch with a slight texture change.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting with a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How can I make them more festive?

Try adding colored sugar on top before baking or sandwiching two cookies with jam or frosting for a celebratory twist.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Southern Tea Cake Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
• Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake
• Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nutmeg or go with lemon zest? Maybe even a glaze on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: