Southern Tea Cakes: The Best Healthy Recipe Ever

Southern Tea Cakes

Southern Tea Cakes

Updated on 10/2/2024
Martin AlvarezBy Martin Alvarez
Nutritionist/Dietitian Professional Guide
Learn More about Martin Alvarez

There is no doubt that this Southern Tea Cakes Recipe (or tea cake cookie recipe) is the best on the web! There is the perfect amount of buttery, rich, soft, and flavorful texture and the ideal flavor profile to make it taste great. As soon as you create and serve these, let alone eat them, you will feel as though you are right there in the South because they are a perfect cross between chewy chocolate chip cookies and the crispiness of this shortbread cookie recipe. They are the perfect combination of chewiness and crispiness. These cookies cross the chewiness of my Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and my Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. When you serve this southern specialty with some sweet tea from the South, you can get the most out of it.

Instructions On How To Bake Tea Cakes

Instructions On How To Bake Tea Cakes

Instructions On How To Bake Tea Cakes

 

When it comes to the recipes for southern tea cakes, my family has a few different methods that they follow regarding how they make them. On my mom's side of the family, molasses was traditionally used to prepare southern tea cake cookies to preserve their flavor. There is never a time when my mother's side of the family uses molasses in any of the recipes she prepares.

Interestingly, both groups call Mississippi their home, although they do so in different parts of the state. As a result of their vast differences in upbringing, there is such a stark contrast between their upbringings that it gives the impression that they were raised in entirely different countries or even in other forms because their vast differences are so striking. 

It fascinates me how a difference of only a few hours of driving time can significantly affect the type of food ingredients allowed in traditional southern baking, depending on where you live.

Tea cakes

Tea cakes

 

There can be no argument in the South that teacakes do not play an essential role in their culture and history, regardless of which recipe for southern tea cakes they choose to use for their tea cake recipe. Consequently, they play such an integral role in the experience that it feels almost like a religious experience, as they are a vital part of every step. 

Both my mother and father have fond memories of southern tea cakes and cookies made by their mothers, grandmothers, and even great-grandmothers on special occasions or just regularly. Both of my parents describe a great deal of detail about these memories. However, I would like to ask you, what is it about a southern tea cake that makes it so darn unique? Can you tell me?

What Exactly Is a Tea Cake?

What Exactly Is a Tea Cake?

What Exactly Is a Tea Cake?

 

As a result of its long history of being used throughout the African American community, Southern Tea Cakes have an extraordinarily influential and vibrant account within the African American community. Some culinary historians believe that there is a possibility that the English tea cake may have been the inspiration for the American cookie. Despite having very few supplies, enslaved blacks made their versions of the device using whatever materials they had at their disposal.

Tea cakes became a traditional holiday dessert after they gained popularity as a portion of comfort food. Since slavery ended and many families migrated north, enslaved people in the South lost many traditional foods. 

Since slavery ended and many families migrated north, enslaved people in the South lost many conventional foods. Because of their oppression, families wanted to start new customs and eliminate symbols that reminded them of what had happened. Despite this, we can be thankful that the recipe for Southern Tea Cakes has been passed down from generation to generation.

What are The Key Differences Between Russian Tea Cakes And Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes?

What are The Key Differences Between Russian Tea Cakes

What are The Key Differences Between Russian Tea Cakes

 

If you use a recipe for traditional Southern tea cakes, it is possible to make simple cookies with a taste more reminiscent of cake than cookies. The fact that they have a shorter list of ingredients contributes to their more specific preference due to their fewer ingredients. 

As the name implies, the "tea cake" is a type of cookie that goes particularly well with a steaming mug of tea, which is why the term 'tea cake' came into existence. As much as it would be ideal you can achieve, it is not required in any way. There's no need to worry if these cookies are a bit bland or if you find them to be on the less flavorful side. We do not intend for them to have the same rich taste as the layered cookies we are accustomed to eating since these cookies come in various flavors that we are used to eating. 

The fact that they are so tasty does not take away from the fact that they are incredibly delicious. Some people indeed think that tea cakes remind them of sugar cookies, but I believe that what they resemble more is a pound cake that has been baked into a cookie or biscuit.

It is typical for Russian Tea Cakes to appear more rounded and thicker than traditional tea cakes, and they are usually covered in confectioners' sugar, which enhances their appearance.

 Russian Tea Cakes

Russian Tea Cakes

 

Even though these might appear to be straightforward butter cookies (which is why they are sometimes called tea cake cookies), the texture of these treats is noticeably more cake-like than buttery. There is no doubt that they are nothing short of fantastic, in my opinion. There is no doubt that they are the superior option in every way.

A buttery flavor is present in them; they are rich, have a hint of sweetness, and are very soft. The undersides of these donuts have a pale golden brown color and are only slightly crisp, while the sides of the donuts have a somewhat chewy texture. 

Do I sound like I am making you hungry yet? Many elements make desserts enjoyable for people like you, and this recipe combines all of those elements. Despite incorporating all those elements, you will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to put together, even though it contains all those elements.

The ingredients

The ingredients

 

The ingredients in this recipe are the same as those found in traditional butter cookies; however, the ratios result in a slightly different product when compared with conventional butter cookies. I think they are somewhat similar to my butter ricotta cookies, but if you have not tried them before, you will find that they are very different from what you would expect. Each ingredient for preparing these cookies is usually found in a person's kitchen pantry; preparing these cookies is simple but quick since all the ingredients are everyday household items. 

I recommend that you use this recipe as a starting point for developing your version of it based on the ideas in this recipe. While these cookies are delicious, they also serve as the perfect platform for incorporating other flavors into your baking. It has been my experience that every variation of Southern Tea Cakes I've tried, including those made according to "a secret family recipe," has been delicious. When you are in this situation, it is simply impossible to make a mistake. To jazz up this recipe, make sure to add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even the zest of lemon if you like; however, before you do that, try it out in its more classic form first. After that, you have complete creative control over how it develops, so you can make it whatever you want!

Molasses Tea Cakes: The Step-by-Step Instructions

How To Make Tea Cakes With Molasses

How To Make Tea Cakes With Molasses

 

As the texture of the classic recipe is precisely the same as that of the original recipe, it has become one of my favorite recipes because it is a classic. The cookies have a wonderful texture that is somewhat chewy, much like these brownie cookies, which are bringing back memories for me as well.

To add a touch of molasses to this recipe, you can easily replace some granulated sugar with molasses to add a subtle taste of molasses. This is because when my dad was growing up, his family made tea cakes with molasses to save money. In addition to that, it will also make the cookie mixture appear darker, as well.

Advice on how To Make The Ideal Cookie Dough

Advice on how To Make The Ideal Cookie Dough

 

To begin making this dough, I combine all the dry ingredients by whisking them together in a large mixing bowl. Therefore, if you do this first, it will be much easier for you to incorporate these ingredients, which have already been well mixed, right into your dough if you do this first.

When you mix the remaining ingredients into the dough for the tea cakes, you will notice that the dough is on the thicker side. The best way to enjoy these tea cakes is to serve them warm. Because of this, it is not as malleable, making working with it a little bit more complicated since it is not as pliable. For it to become more solid, you will need to place it in the refrigerator for a few hours to become more reliable. During the process, it is estimated that it will take approximately an hour to complete.

After the recipe has been perfected, all you need to do is use the heat from your hands to take about a tablespoon of the dough and flatten it out a little bit using the warmth from your hands. Once the dough has been flattened, you can start baking the tea cakes. As a result, you can manipulate it much more quickly and bend it in different directions.

 Cookie Dough

Cookie Dough

 

As I grew up, I used to consume these regularly, and they remind me a lot of the ones I used to drink when I was growing up. I will ensure that this recipe is passed down from generation to generation because traditions are significant. They have a much more substantial impact on our identity than most other things combined. As a result, our standards and expectations are ultimately defined by them. The experience of being a mother has changed me a lot over the years, leading me to give a great deal of thought to the values and lessons I intend to instill in my daughter as she grows up. 

Anecdotes are often included with recipes, and stories often accompany recipes. There are so many benefits to preserving recipes, and they are also capable of creating beautiful family memories. The prospect of one day hearing their recollections of the memorable events and times that we have shared while enjoying these classic Southern sweets is too exciting for me to contain my excitement.

Tea Cakes From The South

Tea Cakes From The South

Tea Cakes From The South

 

I've found the best (and easiest) recipe for Southern Tea Cakes, also known as tea cake cookies, and this is the best (and easiest) recipe I've ever seen. You will have the distinct impression that you are in the heart of the American South when you serve and eat these, let alone when you prepare and serve them.

Disposition: Snack

Cuisine: Southern

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 180kcal

▢A single stick of unsalted butter is kept at room temperature.

▢A quarter cup of granulated sugar

▢One large egg at room temperature

▢Two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

▢1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

▢1/4 teaspoon salt

▢1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Metric to US Customary Units

Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients

 

  1. As soon as you have mixed flour, salt, and baking soda together, it would be best if you placed them in a bowl of about medium size and set them aside.
  2. Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of your mixer and mix them on high speed (about 4-5 minutes).
  3. You will need to adjust the speed of the mixer to medium, add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until everything has been incorporated thoroughly.
  4. It is now time to reduce the speed of the mixer to low and add the flour mixture in three intervals, ensuring that it is fully incorporated after each addition by beating well after each addition.
  5. To make sure the dough is more stable after thoroughly combining it, turn off the mixer, place the dough in a Ziploc bag, and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to become more stable.
  6. After the dough has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the refrigerator and set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit at the time when you remove it from the fridge.
  7. Prepare your baking sheet for the cookies by lining it with parchment paper.
  8. To measure, you will need to take a tablespoon and take out an amount of cookie dough equal to the size of the tablespoon, then roll the dough into a ball. As you press lightly with your thumb, slightly flatten the center of the cookie, and place it on the tray after lightly flattening it with your thumb.
  9. To ensure that there are at least 1 1/2 inches of space between each dough ball, repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining dough.
  10. In the oven, bake for nine to eleven minutes until the edges are golden brown, and then remove it from the oven.
  11. After allowing it to cool for five to ten minutes, you can serve it.

Notes

Notes

Notes

 

Ensure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before preparing your recipe. In this way, they will be able to incorporate much better and produce a delicious dough that is thoroughly mixed.

Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition

 

There are 180 calories in tea cakes; 24 grams of carbohydrates; 2 grams of protein; 8 grams of fat; 4 grams of saturated fat; 35 milligrams of cholesterol; 78 milligrams of sodium; 22 milligrams of potassium; 12 grams of sugar; 260 international units of vitamin A; 7 milligrams of calcium; and 0.8 milligrams of iron.