old fashioned southern tea cakes recipe

old fashioned southern tea cakes recipe

The Best old fashioned southern tea cakes recipe

Old fashioned southern tea cakes have been a staple in our household for as long as I can remember. I love these sweet treats because they’re a perfect blend of crumbly texture and sweet flavor. The key to making these tea cakes is to use real butter and buttermilk, which gives them a rich and creamy taste.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, especially when it comes to mixing and kneading the dough. They get so excited when they see the finished product, and it’s always a treat for them to take a bite. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner in the kitchen.

I’ve made these tea cakes countless times, and each time they turn out perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a special treat or just a quick snack, old fashioned southern tea cakes are always a good idea. My family loves them so much that we often have them on hand for a quick breakfast or as an after-school snack.

I’ve even started serving them at our family gatherings, and everyone always asks for the recipe. There’s something about the combination of sugar, butter, and buttermilk that just makes these tea cakes irresistible. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there’s nothing like stepping into the kitchen and whipping up a batch of these delicious treats.

It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to our family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s been passed down through generations of Southern cooks. The original recipe calls for lard or vegetable shortening, but I prefer using real butter for an extra layer of flavor.

My grandmother used to make these tea cakes all the time when I was growing up, and now it’s become a tradition in our household too.

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

4.7 from 875 votes

These classic Southern tea cakes are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, reminiscent of a simpler time. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, and their subtle vanilla flavor makes them a favorite for all ages.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 24 cookiesCuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tea Cakes

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup buttermilk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix on low speed until just combined.
6The dough will be soft; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to roll.
7On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
8Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers are set.
10Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Whisk
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
2-inch round cookie cutter
Wire cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 95mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For a more authentic flavor, use real butter and vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a subtle spice note. Store tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Works

I love serving old fashioned southern tea cakes at our family gatherings because they’re always a hit with both kids and adults alike. One of my favorite ways to serve them is as part of a Southern-style brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

You can also serve them as an after-school snack or as part of a quick breakfast on-the-go. To make storage easier, consider freezing your leftover tea cakes in individual portions or zip-top bags so you can thaw only what you need later.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

A: For this old fashioned southern tea cake recipe, you’ll want to use all-purpose flour that’s been sifted before measuring out the ingredients.

Q: Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?

A: While you can use regular milk as a substitute in an emergency situation, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of your tea cakes.

Q: How do I store leftover tea cakes?

A: You can store leftover tea cakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add any mix-ins to my tea cakes?

A: Yes! Some popular mix-ins include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries or cherries, or even chocolate chips.

Q: Why do my tea cakes not rise properly?

A: If your tea cakes aren’t rising properly, it might be due to using cold buttermilk or not letting the dough rest long enough before rolling out.

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