Name: Gullah Tea Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: Gullah Geechee
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1.5 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; Nutmeg for sprinkling

Soft, buttery, lightly sweetened cookies that are a Gullah Geechee tradition. These tea cakes are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of sweet tea.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1.5 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
Nutmeg for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and lemon extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg.
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should still be soft.
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

💡 Pro Tip: Gullah tea cakes are softer and more cake-like than regular cookies. They're a staple at Gullah Geechee family gatherings and funerals.