I have been trying to duplicate my grandmother's cookies for 40 years. This is it with a little finessing. I used butter flavored Crisco for the shortening Combing the buttermilk and soda is key. I add it before the eggs and flour. I also add 1 tsp. Nutmeg to flour before mixing instead of using Vanilla. The dough is super soft but workable.Sprinkle tops w/sugar after baking.

I used unsalted butter, and the best dairy cultured buttermilk I could find. Add the (fresh) baking soda to the buttermilk, stir, and let stand a few minutes before adding to creamed butter and sugar.

Starting w/ 1/3 of flour combine into mixture (buttermilk, butter and sugar).

Next add half the beaten eggs and vanilla and blend well.
Add another 1/3 of flour using low speed on mixer.
Add the rest of beaten egg and vanilla . Blending well.
Mix in last of flour using the mixers low speeds. briefly.

Make a dough ball in bowl and chill for an hour. Proceed.

This is a great recipe to share with preschoolers or young children. The cutout cookies are easy to handle if the dough isn't too soft. The leftover pieces can make shaped initials, a special treat for a stay at home child.

Great grandmother memories for me. So I hope you make some southern tea cake memories.