Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Southern tea cake cookies! These little gems are soft, buttery delights that just melt in your mouth. I first discovered them at a family gathering, and I was hooked! They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why Southern tea cake cookies are a cherished classic. The best part? They’re super easy to make, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, giving them that lovely structure and softness. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for the best results!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use real butter for that rich flavor! Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start, so it’s nice and creamy when you mix it.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener not only adds sweetness but helps create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 large egg: This little guy binds everything together and adds moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is key! It adds a warm, inviting flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch! Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, making every bite delightful.
How to Prepare Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. I like to use an electric mixer for this part; it really gets the air in there, making your cookies nice and tender.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix them in well until everything is combined and smooth. This adds a lovely richness to the dough that you’re going to love!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This is super important to ensure everything is evenly distributed, especially the baking powder, which gives your cookies that lovely rise.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough. We’re going for soft and tender here!
Step 6: Form Cookies
Now it’s time to shape your cookies! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. They’ll spread a little while baking, so give them room to breathe!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You want them to look set but still soft in the center—that’s when they’re perfect!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is essential for them to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle and oh-so-delicious!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for these Southern tea cake cookies can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve done my best to offer accurate values, it’s always a good idea to double-check if you have any dietary concerns. Enjoy those cookies with peace of mind!
Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies
- They’re super easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth—absolutely irresistible!
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon treat.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing for a fun twist.
- They make your home smell heavenly while baking!
Tips for Success
For the best Southern tea cake cookies, always use room temperature ingredients; it makes mixing so much easier! Don’t overmix your dough; gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined to keep those cookies tender. If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—they’ll be perfect when the edges are golden!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Southern tea cake cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—enjoy that warm, buttery goodness again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is traditional, you can experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour for a different texture and flavor.
How do I make these cookies more flavorful?
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These little changes can make a big difference!
Can I decorate Southern tea cake cookies?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for decorating. Try icing or sprinkles for a festive touch, especially for special occasions.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven. These cookies are so good, you’ll want to share!
Southern tea cake cookies: 7 irresistible delights to try
- Całkowity Czas: 27 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Southern tea cake cookies are soft, buttery cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing if desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 12 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Southern
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 8g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: southern tea cake cookies
