Sugar Cookies (Tea Cakes)

2 cups sugar         
1 cup sour cream  
1 cup butter
1 tsp. soda           
3 eggs   
1 tsp. vanilla   
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
4 to 5 cups flour

Mix all ingredients and chill.  Roll in 1-inch balls.  Flatten with a glass dipped first in water, then in sugar.  Or roll out and cut with cookie cutters or in large circles.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

These cookies were made frequently by my grandmother Bertha Martin, in Sutton, North Dakota.  They are much like the tea cakes of the South. Aunt Opal calls them "Mother's famous white cookies."   Since Grandma's mother's family came from Virginia, that may be the Southern connection.  Compare them with the Tea Cakes below. 

SOUTHERN TEA CAKES

2 1/2 sticks butter

2 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 whole nutmegs, grated
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
4 cups plain flour
Pinch salt

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs and flavorings.  Stir and add flour until dough is stiff.  Roll out and cut into large circles.  Bakes at 425 degrees until brown.

I got this recipe from Roberta Powell who got it from Florida Hawkins, a traditional Southern cook.  Florida's tea cakes are wonderful.  Real comfort food.