Tea Cake
Tea Cakes are a traditional Juneteenth dessert, resembling a buttery sugar cookie that pairs beautifully with hibiscus tea. They are a staple in the Black community, beloved for their simple, comforting flavor and soft texture.
Recipe Details
Level: Easy
Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
Active Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 44 to 48 cookies
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
Directions
Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on high speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium, then stir in the vanilla extract and molasses. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated—your dough should be smooth and consistent. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no ingredients are stuck to the edges.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this aside.
Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until all the dry components are fully absorbed into the dough. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl again, folding in any unincorporated bits by hand if necessary.
Once the dough is well combined, remove it from the mixer and place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Roll the parchment to form a log approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up (this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking).
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take the chilled log out of the refrigerator and remove the parchment. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick circles. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about one cookie’s width of space between them (around 12 cookies per sheet)—they will expand as they bake. Work quickly to keep the dough cold before putting it in the oven.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies are ready when they just begin to brown around the edges and emit a fragrant brown butter aroma. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving—this allows them to set properly.
