Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Delightfully soft and subtly sweet, Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are a timeless Southern treat that perfectly balances simplicity and charm. Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, and buttermilk, these tender cookies boast a cake-like texture and a hint of vanilla that will transport you to the comforting kitchens of generations past. With a quick preparation time of just 20 minutes and a satisfying yield of 24 treats, they’re ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a nostalgic snack. Whether enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth tea cakes are a versatile addition to any dessert table. Follow this easy recipe to recreate the magic of this vintage favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup buttermilk

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as tea cakes should remain soft and tender.

Step 8

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Serve the tea cakes plain, or dust them with powdered sugar for a classic touch. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	974.8 grams (974.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3979

Total Fat 207.60g	266%
Saturated Fat 126.20g	631%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 895mg	298%
Sodium 1913mg	83%
Total Carbohydrate 483.10g	176%
Dietary Fiber 9.80g	35%
Total Sugars 204.00g
Protein 53.10g	106%

Vitamin D 112IU	559%
Calcium 225mg	17%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 660mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.6%

Protein: 5.3%

Carbs: 48.2%