Description
These Southern Tea Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened treats perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Made with simple ingredients and a classic recipe, these cookies have a delicate texture and a subtle vanilla flavor that embodies Southern comfort baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In the bowl of a mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 4-5 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, which helps to incorporate air for a lighter cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat until these ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Lower the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter in three parts, mixing well after each addition to form a soft cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough. Transfer the dough into a Ziploc bag or airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough, which helps in shaping and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape the Cookies. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough. Roll each into a ball and gently press down the center of each ball to flatten slightly. Place the cookies spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart and helps develop their soft texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for better shaping and to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a slight variation, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
