Description
These Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a nostalgic, soft-baked treat with a tender, cake-like texture and a sweet vanilla-butter flavor. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or everyday comfort, these classic Southern cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and optional spice or zest.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto prepared sheets, spacing evenly.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden.
9. Let cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a citrusy twist, lemon zest adds brightness to the cookie dough.
Don’t skip chilling the dough—this helps keep the cookies thick and tender.
If desired, dust with powdered sugar after baking for a decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg