Some things just taste like childhood, and these old-fashioned Southern tea cakes? Oh, they bring it all back—sticky fingers, flour on the floor, and that warm buttery smell hugging the whole kitchen. This recipe is a soft, sweet throwback made for quiet afternoons and full cookie jars. We’re not reinventing the wheel here, just rolling out some dough like Grandma used to, no shortcuts, no fuss. Just a few pantry staples and a bit of love. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking therapy and good enough to impress your nosy neighbor who always ‘just pops by.’ Whether you dunk them in milk or serve them with a little fruit on the side, these sweet bites are the kind of comfort that never goes out of style. And yes, we tested this recipe multiple times—purely for research, of course. Ready to make your kitchen smell like pure nostalgia? Let’s roll up our sleeves and bake like it’s 1952.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- 4) How to Make Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- 5) Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- 6) Making Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- 8) Try these Cookies next!
- 9) Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This sweet easy recipe makes tender, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla
- The dough is simple and forgiving, perfect for baking with kids or grandkids
- You can prep it ahead or store baked cookies for days without losing flavor
- Ideal for casual snacking, gifting, or pairing with coffee or tea
2) Easy Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
These soft little cookies are proof that simple bakes often win the day. This is one of those sweet easy recipes that looks plain but packs all the right flavors. Warm vanilla, a buttery base, and that ever-so-slight golden top that tells you they’re done just right.
We’ve all got that memory tucked away of a kitchen filled with cookie smells. This is the kind of recipe that pulls those memories right into the now. And hey, if it’s your first time baking these? Good. That means you get to make your own traditions. I’ve baked these when I needed something comforting. When I wanted to slow things down. And sometimes, just when the sugar craving hit hard and fast.
With ingredients you’ve probably already got in your kitchen and no mixer required if you’re feeling old-school, this recipe hits that rare spot of quick and satisfying. It also scratches the baking itch without demanding perfection. That’s my kind of cookie.
3) Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: You want that buttery richness to shine, so room temp is your best bet for getting it to mix just right.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Enough to sweeten without turning these into candy. This helps them crisp slightly around the edges too.
2 large eggs: These bind everything and bring that soft bite. Take them out early so they’re not fridge-cold when they hit the bowl.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skip this. It’s what makes these taste like home and not like cafeteria cookies.
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives you structure without making them heavy. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it—don’t pack it in.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Just enough lift to keep them from going full pancake.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweet. Yes, even in cookies, salt matters.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A warm whisper of spice if you’re feeling nostalgic. I always toss it in.
4) How to Make Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference.
Step 2: Cream your butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. You’ll see it change. That’s when it’s ready.
Step 3: Crack in your eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each so your dough doesn’t separate and scare you.
Step 4: Stir in that vanilla. It’ll smell good enough to stop right here, but don’t.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg if using. Add it slowly to your wet mix.
Step 6: Mix until you’ve got a soft, almost sticky dough. Don’t overmix. We’re not building gluten here.
Step 7: Roll out your dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Or hearts. Or whatever shape says “cookie” to you today.
Step 8: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. When the edges just turn gold, pull them. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
Step 9: Let them cool on the pan a couple minutes, then slide onto a rack. Now try to wait before eating three.
5) Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Use fresh nutmeg if you’ve got it. That spice can really tie this recipe to the sweet easy recipes keyword family without forcing it.
Don’t skip the cooling step. Warm cookies are great, but a few minutes resting makes them hold together better—and won’t burn your tongue.
If you like a crisper edge, let the cookies sit one more minute in the oven after turning it off. Just watch closely. It’s a fine line between golden and oops.
6) Making Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Ahead of Time
These cookies are a dream for the planner in all of us. You can make the dough, wrap it tight, and keep it chilled for up to two days. The longer rest lets the flavors deepen, especially the vanilla.
You can even freeze the shaped cookies, unbaked, and pop them into the oven straight from the freezer. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
And honestly, making these ahead of a gathering means you get that warm cookie smell just when people walk in. That’s the kind of hosting win we all love.
7) Storing Leftover Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Once cooled, store these in an airtight container. They’ll keep their tender bite for a few days. If they feel a little too firm on day three, tuck a piece of bread in the container. Magic.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies between sheets of wax paper. They thaw quickly and still taste like you just baked them.
Bonus? You’ve got sweet easy recipes in your back pocket any time cravings strike.
8) Try these Cookies next!
9) Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes – Sweet Easy Recipes Everyone Loves
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This is your arm workout for the day—don’t skip it.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour your counter and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters—or an upside-down glass, old-school style—to cut out shapes.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Don’t overbake unless you like crunchy regret.
- Cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Eat warm, or store in an airtight container if you can actually resist them that long.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cookie | Calories: 143 | Sugar: 9g | Sodium: 68mg | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Protein: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg
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