Description
These Classic Southern Tea Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with comforting vanilla flavor—just like grandma used to make. Perfect for teatime, holidays, or everyday indulgence, these cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or serve them plain, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Ideal for anyone seeking simple easy recipes, dessert ideas, or classic Southern cookies that deliver nostalgic sweetness and a tender crumb.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional nutmeg or lemon zest.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on the sheet; flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are just golden.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading and enhances flavor.
For a festive touch, dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar or dip edges in melted white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg