Indulge in Tradition: Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Step into the charm of the South with this timeless recipe for Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes. These delightful treats hold a special place in Southern culinary history, often enjoyed with a cup of sweet tea or served as a comforting dessert. With their tender crumb and buttery flavor, Southern Tea Cakes are a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. Let’s embark on a journey to rediscover this classic recipe and bring a taste of Southern hospitality into your home.
Ingredients
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and powdered nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Traditional shapes include rounds or rectangles, but feel free to get creative with your cookie cutters.
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the Southern Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the butter with shortening or lard.
- Feel free to customize your tea cakes by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of lemon zest to the dough.
- For a festive touch, you can decorate the cookies with colored sugar or icing once they have cooled completely.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:
- Replace the plain flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low carb alternative.
- Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the granulated sugar.
- Substitute the butter with coconut oil or ghee for a dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting out the cookies.
- How long will the tea cakes last? Properly stored, Southern Tea Cakes will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the tea cakes? Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts, as well as dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, would be delicious additions to the tea cakes. Just be sure to fold them into the dough gently so they are evenly distributed.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is traditional and adds rich flavor to the tea cakes, you can use margarine as a substitute if desired. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
- Can I glaze the tea cakes? Yes, you can glaze the tea cakes with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or water. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are more than just cookies – they are a taste of Southern heritage and tradition. With their simple ingredients and timeless flavor, these sweet treats are sure to evoke memories of days gone by. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, shared with loved ones, or given as a thoughtful gift, Southern Tea Cakes are a beloved part of Southern culinary culture. So why not bring a bit of nostalgia into your kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful cookies today?
