Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these heavenly *southern tea cake cookies*! They’re soft, sweet, and just melt in your mouth—perfect for any occasion, really! I remember the first time I tried them at a family gathering; I couldn’t get enough. The joy of biting into one of these cookies is like a warm hug, especially when they come out of the oven, just slightly golden and smelling divine!
What I love most about these cookies is their versatility. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, they always steal the show. They’re so easy to whip up, and trust me, everyone will be begging for the recipe! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these delightful southern tea cake cookies together!
Ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best southern tea cake cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it helps create that lovely, fluffy texture in the cookies. And don’t skip the vanilla extract; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor that makes these cookies so special. Trust me, you’ll want to have these ingredients on hand for whenever the craving strikes!
How to Prepare Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Alright, let’s get those southern tea cake cookies baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Ready? Here we go!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our cookies to bake evenly and get that perfect golden color!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually do this for about 3-4 minutes—don’t rush it! This step is crucial for achieving that tender texture.
- Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix them in well until everything is combined and smooth. The smell of vanilla at this point is just heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
- Now it’s time to combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; that can make the cookies tough. Just mix until you can’t see any dry flour, and you’re good to go!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them, as they’ll spread a bit while baking.
- Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for a light golden color around the edges while the centers stay soft.
- Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is key for achieving the right texture!
And there you have it! A simple, straightforward way to prepare your southern tea cake cookies. The hardest part will be waiting for them to cool before you dive in, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies
- They’re incredibly soft and tender, with a delightful sweetness that makes them irresistible.
- These cookies come together in just about 27 minutes—perfect for when you need a quick treat!
- With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, there’s no fuss involved.
- They’re wonderfully versatile—enjoy them on their own, or dress them up with icing or sprinkles for a special occasion!
- These cookies are great for sharing, making them a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
- The delicious aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
Tips for Success with Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now that you’re ready to bake, let me share some of my top tips to ensure your southern tea cake cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you can’t see any dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them soft and tender!
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, chilling your cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge while your oven preheats.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they look too brown, they might be overbaked!
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Let Them Cool: Resist the urge to dig in right away! Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them firm up nicely.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious southern tea cake cookies. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Variations of Southern Tea Cake Cookies
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to mix things up with your southern tea cake cookies, I’ve got some fun variations that can elevate these delightful treats to a whole new level! Trust me, each twist brings its own charm and flavor. Let’s dive into some creative ideas!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Go ahead and fold in a cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough for a classic chocolate chip cookie vibe. The melty chocolate paired with the soft cookie is just heavenly!
- Nutty Goodness: Add a half cup of your favorite chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to give the cookies a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the sweet base.
- Spiced Up: Want to warm things up? Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy spice that adds depth to the sweetness. This is a perfect way to enjoy these cookies during the cooler months!
- Lemon Zest: Brighten up your cookies by adding a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough. It’ll give them a refreshing citrusy kick that’s simply irresistible.
- Vanilla Almond Twist: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract, or add a splash of both! This combination creates a rich flavor that’s perfect for those who love a nutty essence.
- Frosted Treats: Once your cookies have cooled, why not top them with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk? A drizzle or a full dip can turn these cookies into an even sweeter indulgence!
Feel free to experiment with these variations or come up with your own unique combos! The beauty of southern tea cake cookies is their adaptability, so let your imagination run wild. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy your delicious southern tea cake cookies! They’re delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverages or desserts can elevate your experience to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Classic Tea: You can’t go wrong with a warm cup of tea! Whether it’s black tea, green tea, or even a fragrant herbal blend, the gentle flavors of tea complement the sweetness of these cookies beautifully.
- Coffee Lover’s Dream: If you’re a coffee fan, try pairing your cookies with a rich cup of coffee or a latte. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies, making it a match made in heaven!
- Milk Mustache: There’s something so comforting about enjoying cookies with a cold glass of milk. It’s a classic pairing that never goes out of style—perfect for dipping too!
- Fruit Compote: For a little something extra, serve your cookies alongside a spoonful of homemade fruit compote or jam. The fruity sweetness adds a lovely contrast to the cookies.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Feeling indulgent? Turn your southern tea cake cookies into ice cream sandwiches! Just scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat that’s perfect for warm days.
- Whipped Cream and Berries: Top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert. The creaminess and tartness of the berries are a fabulous addition!
These serving suggestions will surely enhance your enjoyment of southern tea cake cookies! Feel free to mix and match based on your mood or occasion. Enjoy every bite and sip!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of those scrumptious southern tea cake cookies, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container. This is key to keeping them soft and preventing them from drying out. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to avoid any sticking, especially if you have multiple layers. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you find yourself with leftovers (or maybe you just want to make a double batch for later), these cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. No need to reheat if you don’t want to; they’re still delicious chilled!
If you prefer a warm cookie experience, you can always pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that delightful softness and make the whole kitchen smell incredible again!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your southern tea cake cookies for days—or even weeks—after baking. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Nutritional Information for Southern Tea Cake Cookies
When it comes to indulging in southern tea cake cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re munching on! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one cookie, just so you can enjoy them with a little peace of mind:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how big you make your cookies. But knowing this info can help you enjoy your sweet treats a bit more mindfully. So go ahead, treat yourself to a southern tea cake cookie (or two) and savor every delicious bite! You deserve it!
FAQ About Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Got questions about these delightful southern tea cake cookies? No worries! I’m here to help you out with some of the most common queries that pop up. Let’s dive right in!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but I recommend using a mix of both for the best texture. Whole wheat can make the cookies a bit denser, so a 50/50 blend often works wonders!
How can I make my cookies sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cookie, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the dough. Just keep in mind that these cookies are already quite sweet, so adjust according to your taste!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky to work with, don’t fret! Just add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, though, as it can affect the cookie’s texture.
Can I add frosting to these cookies?
You bet! A simple glaze or buttercream frosting can take these cookies to the next level. Just wait until they’ve cooled completely before frosting them. It’s a delicious way to make them even more special!
How do I know when my southern tea cake cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark! They’re done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked when you first take them out!
With these answers in mind, you’re all set to bake your southern tea cake cookies with confidence! Happy baking, my friend!
Print
Southern Tea Cake Cookies: 7 Irresistibly Soft Delights
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern tea cake cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: southern tea cake cookies