Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Barbara

An Old Fashioned Tea Cakes Recipe is a pure treasure. The aroma of these buttery cakes traveling through the kitchen is a pure delight. It brings back childhood memories and takes me back to historic family gatherings. Take a bite, and let the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness dance on your tongue, evoking a sense of pure comfort and joy. This, my friends, is the magic of tea cakes, a Soul Food classic that transcends mere dessert.

Tea cakes can add a simplier element to your dessert table. Sweet potato pie, banana pudding and seven up pound cake all have there place but these cakes are just as adored in my home Here, simplicity is not a compromise, but an invitation. Today I will share the secret to this simple yet elegant treat. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and join me on this delightful adventure. Let’s bake up a batch of tea cakes, not just for the taste, but for the experience. My tea cakes are a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures that make life sweet.

Table of Contents

How to Make Tea Cakes

The key to the perfect recipe is simple. Using fresh ingredients for any recipe will always yield the best outcome. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature when starting. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake. After the cookies are done, allow them to cool for at least five minutes. It is as simple as that.

1. Watch Me make Tea Cakes (Video Tutorial)

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about these tea cakes is that they made from simple ingredients that you already have. This recipe uses the following

All-Purpose Flour
Sugar
Butter
Eggs
Baking Powder
Nutmeg
Almond Extract
Vanilla Extract

3. Instructions for Perfect Tea Cakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Preparation of Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensuring that the eggs and butter are at room temperature helps in achieving the desired texture and consistency for the best tea cakes.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

Mix together the sugar and butter and allow them blend until they form a creamy, light mixture. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, allowing them to incorporate fully into the mixture.

Add the baking powder to the mixture, then slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour. This gradual addition helps create a dough with just the right consistency.

Infuse the dough with the warmth of nutmeg, the subtle essence of almond extract, and the classic allure of vanilla extract. Mix until the flavors are evenly distributed, creating an aromatic and inviting dough.

Step 3: Forming the Tea Cakes

On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to the desired thickness. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut out charming tea cake shapes.

Step 4: Baking the Cakes

Place these lovely tea cakes on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Allow the cakes to bake for approximately 20 minutes until they achieve a golden hue and emit an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

After the baking time elapses, remove the tea cakes from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This brief interlude allows them to settle and retain their delightful texture.

I serve these tea cakes after allowing them to rest for a few minutes. Each bite promises a delicate crumb and a taste of simple sweetness that lingers on your palate.

Conclusion: Tea cakes, with their understated charm and delightful flavors, are a classic soul food dessert. Their simplicity in preparation and heartwarming taste make them an ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or a sweet treat to share with loved ones.

Make sure to savor the uncomplicated elegance of these tea cakes. They are a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures bring the greatest satisfaction.

What to do with Leftover Tea Cakes

These cakes may be kept for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

If freezing, your cakes should be stored in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Make sure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Try These Other Great Sweet Treats

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