If you’re craving a sweet treat with a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb, then you simply must try this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies borrow the beloved depth and moistness of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, transforming it into perfectly sized, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a luscious, vanilla-kissed glaze. They’re utterly addictive, with a golden, delicate edge and a buttery center that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, relying on simple pantry staples that each play a crucial role. From butter providing that rich creaminess to vanilla adding a fragrant warmth, every ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and create a beautifully tender texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The backbone of the dough, supplying moisture and richness.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slight crispness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Helps to create a soft, pillowy texture in the cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and lend structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses that warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the body of the cookies, balancing softness with a sturdy bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to remain tender without being cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and keeps the texture light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze): Creates the irresistibly glossy, buttery glaze.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze as it melts over the cookies.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugars in the glaze for a smooth finish.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for glaze): Elevates the glaze with an added layer of sweetness and aroma.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using softened butter is key here so that when you cream it with granulated and powdered sugar, the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is what will give your cookies their delightful texture and slight sweetness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and well combined. Then add that fragrant vanilla extract, which really ties together the buttery, sweet profile of these cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix to preserve the cookie’s tender crumb.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into neat balls and place them on the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they can spread slightly without merging. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden shade.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, melt the butter for the glaze in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Spoon this warm glaze over the cookies and let it soak in, creating that signature buttery shine and flavor.
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning all on their own, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after glazing to enhance the sweetness with a touch of savory contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a snowy finish perfect for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, a frothy latte, or a warm mug of tea, accentuating their rich flavors. For a celebratory dessert tray, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe in a decorative jar or gift box lined with parchment paper for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or jam for a delightful twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and soft for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture and keeps your cookies irresistibly tender.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After glazing and allowing them to dry, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to bring back that just-baked warmth, simply pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will revive their soft texture and make the glaze glisten anew, almost like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content precisely, you can use salted butter if needed. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Is it okay to substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the cookie’s structure and texture.
Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more water for a thinner glaze or reducing the water to make it thicker. Just remember that thinner glaze pools more, while thicker glaze sits nicely on top.
How long do the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, maintaining their soft texture and buttery flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! This Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe scales well. Just be sure to bake in batches and monitor baking time closely, as ovens can vary with larger quantities.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this incredible Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe in your kitchen arsenal, you’re just a few simple steps away from creating a cookie that’s truly special. Rich, buttery, and perfectly glazed, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser every time. Grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and get ready to fall in love with one of the most delightful cookies you’ll ever taste.
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of traditional Kentucky butter cake with the convenience and texture of cookies. These golden, soft-centered cookies are topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, making them irresistibly moist and flavorful. Perfect for afternoon tea or dessert, they bring Southern charm to your cookie jar.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined for a fragrant base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintaining cookie tenderness.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or spoon, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove the cookies and let them cool on a wire rack to set.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
- Glaze the Cookies: Spoon the warm glaze generously over the cooled cookies, allowing it to soak in and add a shiny, sweet coating.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- The glaze should be warm but not hot when applied to prevent melting the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For a richer glaze, you can substitute part of the water with heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
