Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

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Soft, buttery, and kissed with a hint of warm vanilla, Southern Tea Cake Cookies are pure nostalgia in cookie form. These cookies were a staple in many Southern homes, often passed down from generation to generation. While everyone may add their own twist, the essence of a tea cake remains the same: a comforting, lightly sweetened cookie with a tender crumb.

Unlike frosted sugar cookies or gooey chocolate chip varieties, tea cake cookies are delightfully simple. Their charm lies in that very simplicity, offering the perfect partner to a hot cup of tea, a glass of milk, or a quiet moment to yourself. If you’ve never tasted one before, you’re in for a true Southern treat.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between soft and crisp, thanks to the classic creaming method and a chill in the fridge. It doesn’t rely on any frills or fancy ingredients—just real pantry staples and a lot of love. The result? Cookies that are golden on the outside, pillow-soft on the inside, and just sweet enough to make them irresistible.

Whether you’re baking them for a church bake sale, your grandmother’s birthday, or just to fill your kitchen with the aroma of tradition, these tea cake cookies deliver every time. They also freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Southern Tea Cake Cookies?

Good question! All-purpose flour is the go-to for these cookies. It provides just the right amount of structure without making them too dense. If you’re aiming for a lighter, cake-like texture, you could sift the flour before using it. Avoid bread flour—it has too much protein and will make your cookies chewier than desired. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 all-purpose GF blend, but know that the flavor and texture might differ slightly. The beauty of this cookie is in its balance, and all-purpose flour keeps it perfectly in check.

Ingredients for the Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

The ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies are straightforward, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry. Each one plays a key role in creating that soft, golden texture and nostalgic flavor.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.

Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and maintain a soft center.

Salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Unsalted butter adds richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth Southern texture.

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough just right without making it overly sugary.

Large eggs help bind the ingredients and add a light richness.

Vanilla extract is essential for that warm, sweet aroma that defines Southern tea cakes.

Whole milk softens the dough and adds a subtle richness to the final cookie.

How To Make the Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates air in the dough for a lighter cookie.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Mix and Add Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Add the milk slowly until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into your favorite shapes using a cookie cutter or small glass.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store once fully cooled.

How to Serve and Store Southern Tea Cake Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, when their tender texture and subtle sweetness truly shine. Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk for an afternoon pick-me-up, or stack a few in a lunchbox for a nostalgic treat. They also make lovely additions to holiday trays and cookie exchanges.

The recipe yields about 24 to 30 cookies, depending on the size of your cutter. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What to Serve With Southern Tea Cake Cookies?

Sweet Tea

You can’t go wrong pairing a Southern tea cake with a chilled glass of classic sweet tea. The cookies’ buttery notes balance beautifully with the tea’s sugary zing.

Fresh Fruit

Serve them with a bowl of berries or peach slices to add freshness and color to your dessert spread.

Lemon Curd

A dollop of lemon curd on the side gives each bite a bright, tangy twist.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich the cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, delicious Southern-style dessert.

Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Top each cookie with whipped cream and a sliced strawberry for a festive party treat.

Hot Coffee

A strong, hot coffee helps balance the sweet, rich bite of the cookie. Great for brunch or a cozy evening.

Southern Cobbler

If you’re going full Southern, serve a cookie or two alongside a warm dish of peach or blackberry cobbler.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies or dip the edges in for an indulgent variation.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Southern Tea Cake Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet bites that come with their own unique charm:

• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy, coconutty classic.
• Ooey Gooey Bars when you want melty, buttery decadence.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for fruity freshness and creamy sweetness.
• Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy for a throwback spice kick.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a cozy cinnamon swirl in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you cut them into hearts? Did you try adding a glaze?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake smarter.

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