Description
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 ¾ cups sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, then add vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, adding buttermilk gradually.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool before serving.
#SweetTeaCakes
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect tea cakes every time. First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. In your large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together for a full 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy; this incorporates air for a lighter texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla. In your separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent. With your mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together—do not overmix. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto your greased baking sheet. Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be just set and lightly golden, while the centers remain soft.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Tea Cakes are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a classic Southern pairing, serve them alongside a pitcher of sweet iced tea. They can also be dressed up with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or a dusting of powdered sugar. Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or use them as a base for a strawberry shortcake-style dessert with fresh berries and whipped cream.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Whisk dry ingredients separately. Alternately combine dry mix and buttermilk into wet ingredients. Drop dough onto a sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but for best results, make a soured milk substitute. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a ½ cup measuring cup, then fill with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why are my tea cakes tough or dense?
This is usually caused by overmixing the dough once the flour is added. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, ensure you measured your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
Can I roll and cut these instead of dropping them?
Absolutely. For cut-out tea cakes, chill the dough for 1-2 hours, then roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and use a round cutter.
How should I store leftover tea cakes?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
What’s the difference between a tea cake and a regular cookie?
Southern Tea Cakes are less sweet than most cookies and have a soft, cake-like texture. They are a simple, old-fashioned treat meant to be subtly sweet and paired with a beverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: This prevents proper creaming and leads to dense cookies.
- Overbaking: Remove them when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Overmixing the dough: This develops gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture.
- Not spacing the dough: Placing dough balls too close causes them to spread into each other.
- Using expired baking soda: Test its potency by adding a pinch to vinegar; it should bubble vigorously.
Conclusion
Mastering the Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cake is about embracing simplicity and technique. By following this enhanced guide, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and create a batch of perfectly soft, subtly sweet treats that carry the warmth of tradition. Remember the key steps: proper creaming, gentle mixing, and careful baking. These humble cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a delicious piece of Southern heritage perfect for sharing with family and friends over a comforting drink.
