OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN TEA CAKES


5. Bake the Cookies

  1. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
  3. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Decorate (Optional)

  1. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
  2. Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
  3. Add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Tea or Coffee: Perfect for an afternoon tea party or paired with your morning coffee.
  • For Holidays: Decorate with red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
  • As Gifts: Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
  • At Gatherings: Serve alongside other Southern classics like pound cake, biscuits, or fruit cobblers.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter, eggs, and vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain pale and soft—overbaking will make them dry.
  • Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it briefly to make handling easier.
  • Freeze for Later: Roll and cut the dough, then freeze the shapes on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

These Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are more than just cookies—they’re a connection to tradition, family, and Southern hospitality. With their buttery richness, subtle sweetness, and endless customization options, they’re a treat that everyone can enjoy.

So grab your rolling pin, dust off your cookie cutters, and bake up a batch of these tender, nostalgic delights. One bite of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Southern kitchen, where love and warmth are baked into every bite! 🍪