Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until fluffy and smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture in three intervals, mixing well after each addition.
Chill Dough: Transfer the dough to a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
Preheat Oven: Once the dough is firm, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Gently press the center of each ball with your thumb to flatten slightly. Place on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 1 ½ inches between each dough ball.
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your Southern Tea Cake Cookies!