Best 3 Southern Tea Cakes Recipes

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Southern tea cakes are a delectable treat that holds a special place in the culinary traditions of the American South. These bite-sized wonders, often referred to as "little cakes" or "teacakes", are characterized by their tender, crumbly texture, rich buttery flavor, and delicate sweetness. With their versatility, they can be dressed up or down, adorned with glazes, sprinkled with nuts or drizzled with syrup, catering to various palates and occasions. Whether served at afternoon tea gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoyed as a sweet snack, southern tea cakes embody the essence of southern hospitality and charm, offering a delightful experience in every bite.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN TEA CAKES



Southern Tea Cakes image

There were nine children in our family and Mother had to stretch the budget, so she made these often for dessert. I loved them when I was a child, and they're still a special treat. In fact, I've never met anyone who doesn't like these cookies. They're so simple and quick to make.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield about 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup shortening
1-3/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups self-rising flour

Steps:

  • In a bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs. Add milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir in flour; mix well. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2-1/2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 251mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

OLD TIMEY SOUTHERN TEA CAKES RECIPE - (4.2/5)



Old Timey Southern Tea Cakes Recipe - (4.2/5) image

Provided by msippigrl

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, whisked
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk

Steps:

  • Prepare a lightly floured work surface. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl and using a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and whisked eggs until creamy. Beat in the vanilla, milk, and flour mixture until well blended, adding another tablespoon of milk if needed for the dough to come together. Dump dough onto the floured surface, sprinkle flour over dough then roll out to about 1/4-inch thick, or a little thicker. Cut dough out with a 3" cookie or biscuit cutter - OR roll into 1 1/2" balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake for about 13-15 minutes (balls may take a bit longer), or just until bottoms are very lightly browned. Let cool on pan for 1 minute then remove tea cakes to a wire cooling rack. If desired, while they are still hot, dip the tops in sugar.

AUNT BURVIN'S SOUTHERN TEA CAKES



Aunt Burvin's Southern Tea Cakes image

This recipe was passed down from my great-aunt Burvin. Tea cakes are a less-sweet, puffy cookie. Enjoy!

Provided by Amber

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Drop Cookie Recipes

Time 8h25m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup white sugar
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup vegetable oil
4 ½ cups self-rising flour

Steps:

  • Beat white sugar, confectioners' sugar, and butter together in a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until fully incorporated. Pour oil into sugar-butter mixture; beat until smooth. Slowly add flour to sugar-butter mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until dough is stiff. Refrigerate dough, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Drop dough by the spoonful onto baking sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Work in batches if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293.5 calories, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Cholesterol 35.8 mg, Fat 17.5 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 358.1 mg, Sugar 13.7 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help the cakes rise properly.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Sift the flour before adding it to the batter. This will help prevent lumps.
  • Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cakes tough.
  • Bake the cakes in a preheated oven. This will help them rise evenly.
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them.

Conclusion:

Southern tea cakes are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a tea cake that everyone will love. Whether you prefer a classic pound cake or a more modern take on this classic dessert, you're sure to find a recipe in this article that you'll enjoy. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give one of these Southern tea cake recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!

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