Southern Tea Cakes are perfect for afternoon coffee or tea. This old-fashioned recipe is similar to a sugar cookie and makes an easy snack.
Southern Tea Cakes
Today, I’m sharing a Southern recipe with y’all. If I had to compare it to something, I’d tell you they are like sugar cookies, but not as sweet and more “cake-like,” but not really a cake. (Do I have you confused enough yet?!)
They are great with afternoon tea or a cup of coffee. If you prefer them a little sweeter, you can mix up an easy glaze and dip them – but I like ’em just plain ol’ regular. 😊
If this is your first time trying this recipe for Tea Cakes, don’t be surprised if you find them a bit on the bland side. They are not meant to be as sweet as some of the more traditional cookies most of us are used to. Feel free to dress them up – I’ve offered some tips – but I hope you try them in their traditional form first. Enjoy them for their simplicity.
Southern Tea Cake FAQs
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Yes! For best results, wrap each cake in plastic wrap. Then, individually or group together cookies and wrap them in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
TO USE: Remove layers of aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Allow the cake to stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until thawed.
Yes! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Tips
- Although these cakes are great as written, sometimes options to change them up are also great. You can top these cakes with your favorite glaze. Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest to the batter. Or, add some pecans to the batter. Or maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top.
- No buttermilk? You can substitute sour cream or plain yogurt in its place. Or quickly make your own buttermilk by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or distilled vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Southern Tea Cakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature 2 sticks
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
- additional granulated sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
- Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add 1-1/4 cups sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Add eggs; beat well.
- Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to beaten mixture alternately with buttermilk.
- Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Although these cakes are great as written, sometimes options to change them up are also great. You can top these cakes with your favorite glaze. Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest to the batter. Or, add some pecans to the batter. Or maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top.
- No buttermilk? You can substitute sour cream or plain yogurt in its place. Or quickly make your own buttermilk by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or distilled vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on July 21, 2012. Updated on June 8, 2021.
These look like the kind of cookies I could eat all day 🙂
They are so easy and tasty 🙂
I'm all in for a buttery, sugary treat with some tea! A perfect afternoon snack. Thanks for the recipe. Found you through Cherrios & Lattes. Hope you'll stop over for a visit at Quirky Vistas some time!
Liz
These are so good!
Congrats on your awesome blog award. I have also never heard of these cookies… hopefully I will get to try them soon. 🙂 Have a good weekend!
Thank you for stopping by, Gina!
Jamie, these look and sounds super! I will be "bookmarking" this one among other recipes you've posted! I love a "tea time" cookie!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy these 🙂
Yummy! I'm all about glaze–or frosting.
You have so many good recipes on your blog! I love it. I am so glad I found you. Thanks for linking up to Marvelous Mondays!
Julie
These are lovely cookies…. I feel the need for tea!
These look beautiful. I have a blog hop on Wednesdays, and would love you to link up tomorrow.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
I love a cake like cookie, that is not "lock jaw" sweet 🙂
JoAnn
New Follower
sweetpepperrose.blogspot.com
Thank you for linking with See Ya In the Gumbo. These cookies/cakes look so simple and perfect. Seems dangerous that the ingredient list is so readily available!
These sound great!! I'd love to have you link this up to Tasty Thursdays on The Mandatory Mooch. It's a new linky party starting today. Hope to see you there. Thanks, Nichi
http://mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/2012/07/tasty-thursdays-1.html
Saw these on Mix it Up Monday. My grandmother used to make these when I was a little girl. I am anew follower. Patsy
oh yum!
Hi Jamie,
Like Patsy, my Grandmother made these wonderful Tea Cakes when I was a young girl. They are a wonderful cookie and brings back so many wonderful memories for me. Hope you are having a great week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
These sound delicious. I love tea cakes! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
These would go good with a cup of tea. thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday. Newest follower also. marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.com
YUM! I'm a huge tea drinker, and these could become a regular thing for me 🙂
These look great! Thank you for sharing on Saturday Show and Tell. I hope you'll join us again this week with some more great ideas!
-Mackenzie
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com
Funny, I was wondering what a Southern Tea Cake tastes like and it's like you were reading my mind. I like cookies like this. My Italian Nana made a lot of cookies that are more "cake like" or for dipping in coffee. Sounds similar. Think I'll try them!
I know this recipe says tea cakes but they would be perfect for coffee too!
Thanks again sharing on Foodie Friends Friday! Don't forget to come back on Sunday to VOTE!
Those sound SO good! I love a cakey cookie. 🙂
These look delicious. Any excuse to sit and have a cup of tea and a cookie is good by me. Thanks for sharing on tout It Tuesday! Hope to see you tomorrow.
Thank you so much for linking up to Tasty Thursdays last week. Hope to see you again this week!!
Nichi – The Mandatory Mooch
I like these!!! Yum. Who doesn't love a nice cookie with their tea? 🙂 Thanks for linking to Foodtastic Friday!
How do you manage to do so much in a week? Your Text Here
Thanks so much for linking up at One Creative Weekend!
These look delicious! And they are super cute too! Love the picture 🙂 I would love if you shared this at my Throwback Thursday party! Hope to see you there! Thanks for sharing 🙂 http://www.hubbymademe.com/throwback-thursday-no-4/
I made these this morning and they're absolutely delicious! Thank your for sharing the recipe.
Give me Southern everytime. 🙂
My granny used to make these in cake pans and then make a dried apple filling to go between them. She called it an apple stack cake.