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Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Comforting and simple cookies that fill your home with sweet aromas, perfect for tea time or as a delightful gift.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks) Use unsalted butter to control the salt.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for best results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Fresh-ground nutmeg makes the flavor sing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, beat together the white sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg.
  5. Gradually stir the dry mix into the creamed mixture until fully combined, resulting in soft dough.
  6. Knead the dough a few times on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
  7. Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them 1 1/2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden.
  5. Let the cookies cool briefly on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. These cookies make lovely gifts when wrapped.