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Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are classic, tender, and lightly sweetened cookies perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. These soft, buttery treats are easy to make and feature a delicate hint of vanilla and almond extracts, finished with a sprinkle of sugar for a slight crunch on top. Ideal for afternoon snacks or dessert, these tea cakes bring nostalgic Southern charm to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed to bring dough together)

For Topping

  • Additional granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined, infusing flavor and moisture into the dough.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to bring it together into a soft, workable dough.
  6. Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles. Place the cut dough pieces 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
  7. Sprinkle Sugar: Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of each tea cake to create a delicate, sweet crunch upon baking.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the tea cakes turn golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cakes.
  9. Cool: Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and allows them to set properly.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: These tea cakes are best enjoyed with your favorite tea or coffee, offering a nostalgic Southern treat perfect for any occasion.

Notes

  • For a subtle nutty flavor, don’t omit the almond extract, but it is optional.
  • If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.
  • You can store baked tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Adding milk is optional and should only be used if the dough does not come together properly.
  • Ensure not to overbake to keep the tea cakes soft and tender.

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Find it online: https://tastyhomeplates.com/old-fashioned-southern-tea-cakes-recipe/