Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with these classic Southern tea cakes. These sweet, buttery cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a tea party or a simple treat with your morning coffee. The soft texture and subtle hint of vanilla make them irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use the bottom of a glass to flatten each ball into a disk.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Interesting Facts
Tea cakes have been a staple in Southern baking for generations.
You can customize these tea cakes by adding lemon zest or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Tea cakes are traditionally served with a hot cup of tea, but they also pair well with coffee or milk.