Description
Soft, buttery, and rich with nostalgia, Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a true Southern classic. These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or an anytime snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients and infused with vanilla, they deliver a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, easy baking recipe, or charming treat for guests, these cookies are an ideal go-to. Great for holiday baking, breakfast ideas, or timeless food ideas that never go out of style.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 to 2 tablespoons milk (if needed)
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Add milk if the dough feels too stiff.
6. Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, place on baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool on tray for 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough thoroughly to keep cookies from spreading too much.
Don’t overbake—edges should just start to turn golden while the centers stay soft.
Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: southern tea cake cookies, easy baking recipe, nostalgic cookies, quick dessert, southern dessert, vintage cookie recipe, tea cookies, snack ideas