A classic Southern recipe from Clarice for old-fashioned Tea Cakes. These soft, slightly sweet cookie-cakes are made with a rich butter dough and a hint of vanilla.

Author

Clarice


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
1 ½ CupsSugar
1 Cup (2 sticks)Butter or Oleo, softened
3 CupsFlour
2Eggs
1 TeaspoonBaking Soda
1 TeaspoonVanilla
PinchSalt
2 Tbsp (See Note)Milk or Buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until creamy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, along with the milk, mixing on low speed until a stiff dough forms.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until it comes together.
  7. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
  8. Cut out rounds with a cookie cutter and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
  10. Let cool on the cookie sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack.

Note

The original recipe card did not list a liquid ingredient. To make a workable dough, 2 tablespoons of milk or buttermilk have been added, which is standard for a tea cake recipe of this size.