Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Introduction
Imagine stepping into a cozy Southern kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air and warm memories are made. Southern Tea Cake Cookies have been a beloved treat in the South for generations, passed down from grandmothers to mothers and now to us. These delightful cookies have a rich history and a unique charm that makes them a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Southern Tea Cake Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply craving a homemade treat, these cookies won’t disappoint.
Ingredients
To make a batch of Southern Tea Cake Cookies, you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Optional: you can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of lemon zest to enhance the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Southern Tea Cake Cookies:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Using the bottom of a glass or a cookie stamp, gently flatten each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your Southern Tea Cake Cookies turn out perfectly, follow these expert tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter will cream better with the sugar, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Refrigerating the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out the dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Variations and Substitutions
While Southern Tea Cake Cookies are delightful on their own, you can also get creative and customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for an extra crunchy texture.
- Replace the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a different flavor profile.
- For a touch of warmth and spice, sprinkle the cookies with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are perfect for any time of day. Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful morning treat. They also make a lovely addition to afternoon tea parties or as an after-dinner dessert. Serve them on a pretty platter alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Southern Tea Cake Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a delightful taste of Southern tradition. With their simple ingredients and delicate flavor, these cookies capture the essence of home-baked goodness. So why not bring a touch of Southern hospitality to your kitchen and indulge in these timeless treats? Bake a batch of Southern Tea Cake Cookies today, and let their sweet aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture transport you to a place where memories are made and hearts are warmed.
Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a delightful treat with a rich history. These cookies are easy to make, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness that make them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Directions
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
-
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
-
Using the bottom of a glass or a cookie stamp, gently flatten each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thickness.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
