Southern Tea Cake Cookies – Experience the comforting flavors of the South with our Southern Tea Cake Cookies. These delightful treats capture the essence of Southern cuisine delivering a warm and homely goodness that’s perfect, for snacking. With a combination of nutmeg and vanilla, these cookies offer a journey to the traditional flavors of the South. Get ready to bake a batch of these cookies that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
I still vividly remember the first time I made these Southern Tea Cake Cookies. The enticing aroma of nutmeg and vanilla filled my kitchen instantly taking me back to moments from my childhood. As the cookies were baked to perfection, I couldn’t feel deeply connected to my roots. Do you know what made it more special? Seeing the smiles on my husband’s and child’s faces as they took their first bite their eyes shining with delight. These cookies aren’t just a recipe; they hold within them a piece of our family’s happiness.
What makes these Southern Tea Cake Cookies truly special?
Take your snacking experience to heights, with our Southern Tea Cake Cookies, where beloved Southern flavors meet baking techniques. Infused with the allure of ground nutmeg and wrapped in comforting hints of vanilla these cookies bring together tradition and modern delight in every bite. Made with love and attention to detail these cookies embody the spirit of tradition while providing a delightful treat that transcends generations. Striking a harmony, between memories and modern ingenuity these sweet treats showcase the enduring allure of homemade goodness and the pure happiness they bring with every mouthful.
What You Need To Make This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe?
Flour: Choosing flour is important when making these Southern Tea Cake Cookies. It’s best to go for quality all-purpose flour as it gives the cookies a sturdy texture. While you can experiment with types of flour keep in mind that they might yield varied results.
Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of salt! Even though it may seem like a modest amount (1/4 teaspoon) it plays a role, in enhancing the overall flavor. It helps balance out the sweetness. Brings out the nutmeg and vanilla notes.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is what makes these cookies rise and become tender. Using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda ensures leavening. Just make sure your baking soda isn’t expired as that could affect its effectiveness.
Nutmeg: For a rich flavor, nothing beats freshly ground whole nutmeg. Its aroma and taste add that authentic, rich touch to your cookies that you won’t get from ground options.
Butter: To achieve even mixing use unsalted butter at room temperature. This allows you to have control over the level of saltiness in your cookies since there’s no added salt in unsalted butter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for the sweetness and structure of these cookies. Its fine texture blends perfectly into the dough resulting in a texture throughout.
Egg: A large egg, at room temperature, works wonders as it binds all the ingredients together adding moisture and contributing to the structure of your cookies.
Vanilla: Adding two teaspoons of vanilla extract enhances the flavor with a touch of warmth and depth. For the best taste it is recommended to use pure vanilla extract.
Steps To Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies:
Step 1: Start by combining the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and freshly ground nutmeg in a bowl to create a dry mixture.
Step 2: In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer enjoy the satisfying process of blending together the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. This step, which takes 4 to 5 minutes with a mixer on high speed sets the foundation for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
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Step 3: Lower the mixer speed. Add in the room temperature egg and aromatic vanilla extract. The subtle touch of vanilla is reminiscent of memories from your grandmother’s kitchen.
Step 4: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the creamy sugar blend adding it bit by bit. The combination of these ingredients results in a balance of flavors with each bite.
Step 5: Allow your cookie dough to rest in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes to chill and allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: While preheating your oven to a 325˚F (163˚C) use an ice cream scoop, melon baller or even two spoons to portion out 12 generous spoonfuls of dough. Shaping these dough portions into balls, with your hands adds that personal touch that no machine can replicate.
Step 7: Place your balls of dough on a baking sheet making sure to leave some space, between each one. Gently press them down using the bottom of a cup or mug as if you’re tucking them in for a nap.
Step 8: Let your cookies bake for 10 minutes or until you see the edges turning a shade of golden brown. This is when the magic happens and your kitchen fills with that tempting aroma.
Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack with care even though it’s tempting to indulge but we can’t blame you if you sneak one while they’re still warm.
Tip:
For your Southern Tea Cake Cookies to have the perfect texture and taste it’s important not to skip the step. Taking the time to let the cookie dough rest in the refrigerator, for 30 minutes not only blends the flavors together. But also helps firm up the fats in the dough. This prevents spreading while baking, resulting in cookies that are tender in the middle and delicately crispy on the edges. A truly delightful combination that’s definitely worth waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-ground nutmeg for this recipe?
Sure you can use pre-ground ground nutmeg for this recipe. However, if you have the opportunity I would recommend using freshly ground nutmeg instead. It adds an aromatic flavor to the dish.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, on hand you can consider substituting it with a gluten-free flour alternative. While we haven’t personally tested this recipe with gluten-free flour using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend might give you similar results. Just be aware that there may be differences in texture and taste.
Why is it important to refrigerate the dough before baking?
Refrigerating the dough before baking is important, for a couple of reasons. Firstly it allows the flavors to blend together nicely. Secondly, it helps control how much the cookies spread while baking. This step is crucial if you want to achieve that perfect cookie texture.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg freshly ground for best flavor
- 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together the flour, salt, baking soda along with nutmeg.
- Beat the butter and sugar in another large bowl or stand mixer bowl until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla into the mixture until they are well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture gently blending them together.
- Chill the dough. Place the dough, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let it cool.
- Set your temperature to 325˚F (165˚C).
- Shape your cookies. Form 12 dough balls and slightly flatten them with your hands.
- Place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until their edges turn golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool before enjoying them. Let your cookies cool on a wire rack. Take delight in savoring these treats of Southern comfort!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
