Old Timey Tea Cakes

Transport your taste buds back in time with these Old Timey Tea Cakes—soft, buttery, and steeped in nostalgia. This classic Southern treat combines simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, whole milk, and vanilla extract to create tender, cake-like cookies that melt in your mouth. The lightly golden edges and pillowy centers strike the perfect balance of texture, while a delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a hint of sweetness to every bite. Ready in just over 30 minutes, this easy tea cake recipe is perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee. Whether you treasure traditional recipes or just crave an irresistible homemade dessert, these Old Timey Tea Cakes are a timeless delight.

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 2 whole large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons optional powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7

Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon for even baking.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake; the centers should remain soft.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Once cooled, you may dust the tea cakes lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1085.3 grams (1085.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4407

Total Fat 207.50g	266%
Saturated Fat 126.20g	631%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 896mg	299%
Sodium 1871mg	81%
Total Carbohydrate 597.40g	217%
Dietary Fiber 9.80g	35%
Total Sugars 319.40g
Protein 53.20g	106%

Vitamin D 107IU	534%
Calcium 231mg	18%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 674mg	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: 41.8%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 53.5%