OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN TEA CAKES

Here’s a classic recipe for Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Additional sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Egg and Extracts:

   • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

5. Combine Mixtures:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Shape the Cookies:

   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

7. Sprinkle Sugar (Optional):

   • If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie for added sweetness and texture.

8. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

9. Cool:

   • Remove from the oven and let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes with a cup of tea or coffee!