Southern Tea Cake Cookies

### Instructions:

#### 1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure that your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

#### 2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined. This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour for consistent rising.

#### 3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the butter and sugar mixture, the lighter your cookies will be.

#### 4. Add the Egg and Flavorings:
Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. If you’re adding lemon zest, this is the time to stir it in for a fresh citrus aroma.

#### 5. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want it to be soft and pliable.

#### 6. Roll the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut out cookies. You can also use the rim of a glass if you don’t have a cookie cutter. Gently place each cookie on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

#### 7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Lightly sprinkle the top of each cookie with a little sugar for an added touch of sweetness and a lovely sparkle once they bake.

#### 8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye on them, as they can bake quickly. The cookies should be soft in the center but firm up as they cool.

#### 9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape. Serve them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even just as a sweet snack to enjoy on their own.

### Tips for Perfect Southern Tea Cake Cookies:

– **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will allow the butter to blend seamlessly with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough.
– **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender texture.
– **Flavor Variations:** Experiment with different extracts like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
– **Shape Variations:** While traditional Southern tea cakes are round, feel free to use other cookie cutters to create fun shapes for holidays or parties.

### Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies:

– **Simple Ingredients:** These cookies are made from pantry staples, meaning you can easily whip up a batch any time you have a craving for something sweet.
– **Light and Buttery:** The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes these cookies irresistible. They’re not overly sweet, so they’re perfect for those who prefer a more subtle, buttery flavor.
– **Nostalgic Comfort:** There’s something about these cookies that just feels like home. Their simple, classic flavor reminds us of Southern hospitality and family gatherings.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon, hosting a tea party, or sharing a plate with friends, Southern tea cake cookies are a timeless treat that’s always welcome.

### Serve It With:
Southern Tea Cake Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. For a festive touch, serve them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert.

These Southern Tea Cake Cookies are an enduring classic that embodies the warmth and comfort of Southern baking. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect snack or dessert to share with loved ones. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying them for the first time, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your baking tradition. Enjoy!