Southern Tea Cake Cookies

🍪 Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp lemon extract (optional, but traditional)

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional for a warm flavor)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add Eggs and Flavoring:

Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and lemon extract (if using) until well combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

5. Combine Mixtures:

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Dough will be thick but not sticky.

6. Shape and Bake:

Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Slightly flatten each ball on the baking sheet (they don't spread much).

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden. Centers will still be soft.

7. Cool:

Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

🫖 Tips:

Serve with sweet tea or coffee.

For a softer texture, don’t overbake.

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for a twist.