A delightful and classic recipe for old-fashioned Southern tea cakes that are sure to bring a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen. These simple yet delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a tea party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These tea cakes have a light and buttery texture with a hint of nutmeg that adds a warm and comforting flavor.
- They are easy to make and perfect for baking with kids or for a relaxing afternoon in the kitchen.
- The recipe yields a batch of cookies that are great for sharing with family and friends or for storing in a cookie jar for a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
- Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; stir into creamed mixture.
- Knead dough for a few turns on a floured board until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool on the cookie sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage
- Store these tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Recipe Tips
- For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor.
- These tea cakes can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dollop of jam or a drizzle of icing for a sweeter treat.
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