Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Jump to Recipe

These Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are the perfect dessert or snack for entertaining guests and are so easy to make with less than 10 ingredients. A classic Southern cookie-like treat with chewy edges and a tender, soft center.

We can't wait to share with you these Old Fashioned Tea Cakes. A classic Southern recipe, we always had these cakes with tea at family gatherings, church, or just as a snack on a relaxing afternoon. Tea cakes are a traditional sweet recipe in the South, one that's been passed down through generations.

What is a tea cake? Well it actually looks quite similar to a sugar cookie, it's chewy on the edges and soft and tender in the center. The cakes are sweetened just right and flavored with vanilla, but you can also customize them to your liking too (see the variations section below!).

Save The Recipe!

Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes!

The best part is these are so easy to make with less than 10 ingredients! You can even make a batch of dough in advance to keep on hand in the freezer so you'll have a sweet treat for entertaining in a pinch. If you love an easy dessert recipe, try our No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, Oat and Raisin Cookies, or Whipping Cream Pound Cake.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

Unsalted butter: The base to the tea cookie dough. We use unsalted in this case, but salted can work well too.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and also provides the soft and chewy structure.
Large eggs: Binds the dough together.
Vanilla extract: Gives that classic vanilla flavor.
All-purpose flour: Is the foundation of the tea cake dough.
Baking powder: Gives the tea cookies a bit of rise after they are baked and also keeps them tender.
Baking soda: Contributes to the tenderness of the tea cakes.
Salt: Essential in every baked good recipe, the salt enhances all of the flavors.
Whole buttermilk: Gives a nice tang that compliments the sweetness of the dough. Helps moisten the dough to keep the cakes from being too dry.

The ingredients to make a tea cake cookie.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Add vanilla extract and buttermilk, and mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

On a floured surface shape the dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats.
Working on a floured surface, roll the dough out to a ¼ inch thickness. Cut dough into desired shapes Place the cut out dough on the prepared pans, at least 2 inches apart.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should still be soft.
Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

No buttermilk? Make your own easily at home with just milk and lemon juice. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Set aside for 5 minutes and buttermilk has been made!
Be sure to chill the dough at least 1 hour before baking. This allows the gluten in the flour to rest and also lets the flour hydrate, giving you tender and soft tea cakes.
Beat the sugar and flour until light and fluffy. This is essential for the structure of the cookies, ensuring they are light and not dense. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes with a hand mixer, so don't skip this step!

Variations

The options are truly endless for these tea cakes. Customize them to you or your guests likings, we have so many ideas!

Swap a different extract for other flavors. We love using almond, lemon, or orange extract for other flavor varieties of the tea cakes.
Add a simple glaze on top. Simply whisk together powdered sugar and a little bit of milk and whisk until a glaze forms. Drizzle over the cookies and serve.
Use some spices for other flavors. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for spiced versions of these treats.
Stir in a chopped nut if desired. Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a bit of nutty flavor.
Dust Powdered Sugar. This gives the top a pretty and slightly sweet touch.
Add buttercream frosting. Buttercream makes these cookies taste a lot like the frosting sprinkle cookies at your local grocery store's bakery. With a hand mixer, simply blend together ½ cup room temperature salted butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or extract of choice) and 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream. Once smooth, add another 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, and whip until smooth and to your desired spreading texture.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These also freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or so until easy to eat.

You can make the dough in advance and keep in the fridge for up to a day. The dough also freezes well, just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight until it's easy to roll and shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about tea cakes?

They're crispy on the outside and soft, tender, and chewy on the inside. Perfect when served with tea for an afternoon snack.

Where were tea cakes originally served?

Large gatherings like parties, church services, baptisms, and other events in the South.

Why are my tea cakes hard?

If you over bake the tea cakes or let them cool on the hot baking sheet for too long, they can become quite hard. Be sure the follow the bake time.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe

No ratings yet