Southern Tea Cake Cookies

August 17, 2025 by admin

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### 🥄 **Ingredients**

*Yields about 2 dozen cookies*

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or lemon zest for a traditional twist

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### 👩🏽‍🍳 **How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies**

#### **1. Cream the Butter and Sugar**

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

#### **2. Add Eggs and Vanilla**

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

#### **3. Mix the Dry Ingredients**

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional nutmeg or lemon zest.

#### **4. Combine Wet and Dry**

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix — you want tender cookies.

#### **5. Chill the Dough**

Cover and refrigerate the dough for **at least 1 hour**. Chilled dough helps the cookies hold their shape and improves flavor.

#### **6. Shape and Bake**

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and slightly flatten them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just golden. The centers should still be soft.

#### **7. Cool and Enjoy**

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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### ☕ **Serving Suggestions**

* Pair with a cup of **sweet tea**, coffee, or cold milk
* Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a vintage look
* Add a side of fresh fruit for a simple, sweet plate
* Wrap in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift

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### 🌾 **A Cookie with a Story**

Southern Tea Cakes are more than a cookie — they’re a **legacy**. In many families, tea cake recipes were never written down, but passed by word of mouth from generation to generation. Each baker added their own touch — a pinch of spice, a dash of lemon, or just the memory of a loved one’s hands shaping dough.

In African American culinary history especially, tea cakes are a reminder of resilience, heritage, and the power of shared traditions. Baking them today is both an act of love and a nod to the generations who kept the recipe alive.

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### 💬 Final Thoughts

Soft, sweet, and soul-satisfying, **Southern Tea Cake Cookies** are the kind of treat that brings people together. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or recreating a beloved family memory, these cookies are a beautiful way to slow down and savor something simple and special.

**Because sometimes, the sweetest things in life are the simplest — and come with a story.**

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Would you like a printable version of the recipe or a video-style script for social media? Let me know!