Old Fashioned Tea Cake Cookies
Old Fashioned Tea Cake Cookies are a favorite here in the south. It’s an old-fashioned recipe that’s a perfect treat for something sweet. These are by far our favorite cookies and are great for a snack, dessert, or even as a gift. They are made with just a few simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry–sugar, butter, eggs, oil, vanilla, flour, and some odds and ends. So easy!
What Are Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Southern tea cakes are buttery cookies that begin with a simple recipe. Tea Cake Cookies are small, crispy cookies baked till they are golden brown. I bet you can’t eat just one, especially warm from the oven! I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine does and you make them a favorite in your own home.
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This is by far the best tea cake recipe around. This recipe belonged to my mother-in-law. She would make several big batches of these cookies every month. To say the least, they were a favorite among all of us.
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Shortly after I married (over 30 years ago), my husband was activated (he was in the Marines) and sent to the Gulf War. He spent the first six months of our marriage overseas in another country. During this time, I sent many care packages to him with mostly prepackaged foods and snacks. But my mother-in-law would always bake a big batch of Tea Cake Cookies and slip them into the box for him. Just a little taste of home. He always looked forward to these care packages, mostly tea cakes.
She passed away about 10 years ago, and her recipe has sat in a tin box until now. Over the weekend, I decided to get her recipe out and try my hand at making her tea cake cookies. As you can see from the picture, the recipe is old, worn, and has been loved for many years.
The Tea Cakes were wonderful. They tasted just like my mother-in-law’s tea cake cookies. They certainly brought back a lot of sweet memories.
I know this recipe is at least 35+ years old. These Old Fashioned Tea Cake Cookies have been in our family for years and are still a favorite. I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine does.
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Ingredients Needed for the Best Tea Cake Cookies
This traditional southern tea cake recipe has been in my family for years. Southerners have a way of taking butter and sugar and turning it into a masterpiece. In this case, these cookies are perfectly crunchy simple cookies.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can have these old-fashioned tea cakes mixed and in the oven in no time.
Sugar
Powdered Sugar
Butter
Oil
Eggs
Pure Vanilla Extract
Flour
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Cream of Tartar
Instructions for Making Tea Cake Cookies
Although no electric mixer is needed, feel free to pull it out if so desired. This recipe is mixed by hand and so easy to do.
In a large bowl, mix sugars, butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients- flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar. Stir well.
Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet sugar mixture. Mix well.
Using a cookie scoop, dip out the dough and place it on greased cookie sheets — space at least 2 inches apart.
With a fork, press gently to flatten the cookies, or use the bottom of a glass for a smoother top. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until brown and crispy on the bottom. Cool slightly.
Tips for Making Southern Tea Cake Cookies
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes
These tea cakes are paired perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. Feel free to have a cup of tea with your cookies.
Where to Serve These True Southern Tea Cake Cookies
These cookies are a favorite in the Deep South and are served for all occasions. They are perfect for desserts and have been served at baby showers, bridal showers, cookouts, gatherings, and anywhere you might serve cookies.
For another cookie option, try my Texas Sheet Cake Cookies. They are also a tasty treat.
How to Store Leftover Tea Cakes
Allow cookies to cool to room temperature. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. These are perfect for a (sealed) cookie jar and would be perfect as a gift.
For more Cookie Recipes, be sure to check out:
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
Soft and Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies
Best Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
For More Southern Recipes:
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Old Fashioned Tea Cake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 sticks butter melted
- 1 cup oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix sugars, butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar. Stir well.
- Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet sugar mixture. Mix well.
- Using a cookie scoop, dip out the dough and place on a greased baking pan — space at least 2 inches apart.With a fork, press gently to flatten the cookies or use the bottom of a glass for a smoother cookie top.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until brown and crispy on the bottom.
Nutrition
Great recipe and instructions for making Old Fashioned Tea Cake Cookies. They look delicious and are the perfect treat. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!