Southern Tea Cake Cookies: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion
Have you ever tried Southern Tea Cake Cookies? These delectable treats have been a staple in my family for generations. They are soft, buttery, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, Southern Tea Cake Cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
A Sweet Tradition
I still remember the first time I tasted these delightful cookies. It was at my grandmother’s kitchen table, surrounded by the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a world of homemade goodness. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, and I felt a deep connection to my family’s history with every crumb.
What makes Southern Tea Cake Cookies so special is their simplicity. They are made with basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla extract come together to create a cookie that is both tender and flavorful. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can bring so much joy.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
I make these cookies when I want to indulge in a little nostalgia. There’s something about the familiar taste and texture that takes me back to my childhood. My family goes crazy for these cookies because they remind them of the love and care that went into every batch. Plus, they’re versatile! You can enjoy them plain, or you can get creative and add your own twist with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate.
The Perfect Recipe
Let’s dive into the recipe for Southern Tea Cake Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: cinnamon or chocolate for topping
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this is where you can add your own personal touch. Sprinkle the cookies with a pinch of cinnamon before baking for a warm and cozy flavor. Alternatively, you can melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a touch of decadence.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
Through my years of baking these cookies, I’ve discovered a few tips and variations that I’d love to share with you. Here are some ideas to make these Southern Tea Cake Cookies your own:
1. Substitutions: If you’re in a hurry, you can use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour. The cookies will have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious. You can also experiment with different flavors of extracts, such as almond or lemon, to add a unique twist.
2. Storage: Though honestly, in my house, these cookies never last more than a day! However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
3. Serving Suggestions: Personally, I enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange. Get creative and serve them with a scoop of ice cream or sandwich two cookies together with a sweet filling for an extra special treat.
4. Pro Tips: When rolling out the dough, don’t be afraid to add a little extra flour if it’s too sticky. And remember, it’s okay if the cookies don’t look perfect! The beauty of homemade treats is in their imperfections.
Conclusion
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are more than just a recipe. They are a connection to our past, a taste of tradition, and a source of joy. These simple yet delightful treats have the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.
So why not gather your loved ones, put on some music, and bake a batch of Southern Tea Cake Cookies? The experience is as sweet as the cookies themselves. Enjoy!
Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Soft, buttery, and simply irresistible, Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. These cookies have been a staple in families for generations, offering a taste of tradition and a connection to the past.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: cinnamon or chocolate for topping
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
-
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4 inch thickness, and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
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Optional: Add cinnamon before baking for flavor or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for decadence.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.