Delight in the classic charm of Southern Tea Cookies—light, buttery, and delicately sweet, these tender treats are the perfect companion to your favorite tea or coffee. With a simple yet irresistible dough crafted from pantry staples like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a touch of vanilla, these cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and crumbly. A hint of baking powder ensures just the right amount of lift, while a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for everything from afternoon tea gatherings to everyday snacking. Indulge in a versatile Southern favorite with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls (approximately 1-inch in diameter). Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Gently press each dough ball down with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake to maintain a soft texture.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve with tea or your favorite beverage.
Calories |
3696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 204.3 g | 262% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.5 g | 578% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 720 mg | 240% | |
| Sodium | 1776 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 454.5 g | 165% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 231.3 g | ||
| Protein | 38.2 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 439 mg | 9% | |
*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.