Buttery Vanilla Tea Cakes

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Diana Rattray
Updated 09/12/19
Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe

  The Spruce
  • Total: 40 mins
  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: 36 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
157 Calories
8g Fat
20g Carbs
2g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 157
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Sodium 247mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 2g
Calcium 34mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This buttery tea cakes recipe makes the perfect cookie for decorating, and they're good plain as well. The cookies are rolled and cut out in rounds or shapes. 

Sprinkle with vanilla sugar or colored sugars before baking, or frost the cooled cookies.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (well shaken)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla (or vanilla bean paste)
  • 4 cups/18 ounces all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  2. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla; mix well.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  4. In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  5. Add the dry mixture to the wet one and mix thoroughly. 

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  6. Refrigerate the dough until chilled and easier to handle.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  7. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

  8. Sprinkle flour on a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper and place the dough on it.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  9. Flour the dough lightly, cover with another sheet of parchment paper or wax paper and roll out to 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  10. Cut into shapes; place on a parchment paper-lined (or greased) baking sheet.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until bottoms and edges, are just lightly browned.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  12. Decorate with vanilla sugar or colored sugars or frost with royal icing or a simple cookie glaze.

    Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  13. Serve and enjoy!

Buttery Vanilla Tea Cake Cookie Recipe
 The Spruce