Name: Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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

Introduction

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring the rich, buttery flavor of the classic Southern cake into a perfect, bite-sized treat. These cookies offer a tender crumb and a luscious, sweet glaze that will have you reaching for more. Whether for sharing or savoring solo, they are a delightful indulgence for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of nine golden-brown cookies arranged on parchment paper with a white marbled surface below. Each cookie is round and slightly thick with a crumbly texture on the edges and a smooth, light dusting of powdered sugar on top. The center of each cookie has a creamy, pale beige glaze, with one cookie being drizzled by a creamy, glossy liquid falling from above, creating a shiny pool at its middle. The overall look is warm and inviting with soft shadows highlighting the cookies' texture and glaze. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 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 ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Optionally, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 7: Scoop the dough onto a lined cookie sheet, spacing the cookies a couple of inches apart.

Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a slight golden color.

Step 9: While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring constantly.

Step 10: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately dip or drizzle them with the warm glaze for a glossy, buttery finish.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper buttery flavor, use high-quality European-style butter.

Chilling the dough helps control spreading and creates a thicker cookie.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice twist.

Butter extract is optional but enhances the authentic buttery aroma if available.

Use a cookie scoop to keep cookie sizes uniform for even baking.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it back to room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

Is there a substitute for butter extract?

If you don’t have butter extract, you can omit it or use an additional ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The cookies will still have a lovely buttery flavor from the real butter.