Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
If you love the rich, buttery flavor of classic Kentucky Butter Cake, these cookies are a must-try. They capture that same tender crumb and sweet glaze in a perfect handheld treat. Whether for sharing or indulging solo, these cookies bring a little slice of southern comfort to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butter extract (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using), mixing until fully combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 6: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if desired. This helps with shaping the cookies.
- Step 7: Scoop the dough onto a lined cookie sheet, spacing the cookies evenly apart.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden.
- Step 9: To make the glaze, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in granulated sugar and water, then bring to a slow boil, stirring constantly.
- Step 10: Once the cookies are warm, dip or drizzle them with the prepared glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Butter extract is optional but adds an authentic richness that mirrors the classic butter cake taste.
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce before applying.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The glaze may soften over time but remains delicious. For longer storage, freeze the cookies without glaze for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven to refresh the buttery texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the balance right.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional but recommended to help the dough firm up, which makes shaping easier and can improve the texture of the cookies.
Print
Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are buttery, tender cookies inspired by the rich and flavorful Kentucky Butter Cake. Featuring a light and fluffy texture infused with vanilla and a luscious buttery glaze, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a delightful treat anytime. This recipe transforms the classic cake into easy-to-make, bite-sized delights that satisfy sweet cravings with their iconic glaze and soft crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butter extract (optional)
Glaze
- ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and butter extract (if using), mixing until everything is fully blended.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Optional but recommended—refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to help it firm up for easier scooping and better cookie shape.
- Scoop the Dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies bake, melt the ½ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the granulated sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a slow boil to create the glaze. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cookies: When the cookies are warm, either dip them into the prepared glaze or drizzle the glaze over them. Let them cool slightly to set the glaze and enjoy!
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps control spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Butter extract is optional but enhances the buttery flavor for a more authentic Kentucky Butter Cake taste.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture.
- For a stronger glaze flavor, allow the glazed cookies to set overnight before serving.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, buttery cookies, glazed cookies, vanilla cookies, homemade cookies, American desserts
