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
Scale
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
