Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a cookie that’s plush, buttery, and kissed with a sweet, vanilla-rich glaze, let me introduce you to the magic of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Imagine everything you love about the classic Kentucky butter cake—the golden edges, the soft crumb, that indulgent butter glaze—but baked into tender cookies you can savor with a cup of coffee or share with friends. These irresistible treats melt in your mouth, thanks to their rich dough and luxurious caramelized topping, making every bite a tiny celebration of Southern baking tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is right here—simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together in just the right way to create incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays its part in building cookies that are soft, moist, and impossible to stop nibbling.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star ingredient for both the dough and the glaze, giving the cookies their classic richness and soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup for dough + ⅓ cup for glaze): For sweetness and a touch of crispness at the edges, plus the perfect hint of sparkle in the glaze.
- Large eggs (2): These bind the dough and add moisture, ensuring each cookie is delightfully soft but not crumbly.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp for dough + 1 tsp for glaze): Don’t skimp here—vanilla brings warmth and that traditional cake flavor straight into your cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Forms the backbone of the cookies, creating just the right chewy yet tender bite.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Provides a gentle lift, so your cookies stay thick and pillowy rather than flat or dense.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens the buttery undertones without making the cookies salty.
- Butter for glaze (¼ cup): Melted into the sweet glaze, bathing each cookie in dessert glory.
- Water (1 tbsp, for glaze): Helps smooth out the glaze, ensuring it brushes on like a dream.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you’ll want it ready so your cookie dough doesn’t have time to get warm or overly soft. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies lift off effortlessly and bake up golden on the bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is what gives the cookies their airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so take your time! Don’t be shy about letting the mixer run for a few minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual approach keeps the dough smooth and uniform. Pour in the vanilla extract—the aroma alone is pure Kentucky charm!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little extra effort ensures even distribution so each cookie bakes up perfectly soft and puffy every single time.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. You want to stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain; overmixing is the only thing standing between you and cookie bliss.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and arrange them about two inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets. These cookies will puff and spread just enough as they bake. Into the oven they go for 10–12 minutes—pull them when the edges look lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Step 7: Make the Butter Glaze
While your cookies bake, combine the glaze ingredients—butter, sugar, and water—in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved. Take it off the heat, then stir in the vanilla for that classic butter cake finish.
Step 8: Glaze While Hot
As soon as your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies come out of the oven, use a pastry brush to lavish each one with the warm glaze. You want the cookies hot so the glaze sinks in, soaking every crumb with buttery sweetness. Let them cool completely—if you can resist—a little patience makes them even better.
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Garnishes
The magic of these cookies is in their simplicity, but a little flourish never hurts. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch or a scattering of finely chopped toasted pecans if you want to channel true Southern bakery vibes.
Side Dishes
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies pair beautifully with fresh berries for a little tartness to contrast the sweet glaze. Or, serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on a warm day—trust me, the melty, buttery blend is divine. A mug of coffee, chai, or strong black tea also makes the cookies truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dessert table, stack the cookies on a vintage cake stand, drizzle a little extra glaze right before serving, or tuck a few into colorful treat bags as edible party favors. If you want to get playful, sandwich a swipe of lemon or cream cheese filling between two cookies for an extravagant twist on the original.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies actually get better with time, so don’t hesitate to store leftovers. Pop them in an airtight container and let them sit at room temperature—the glaze soaks in overnight, making every bite even more tender and rich the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, simply let the glazed cookies cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature for a make-ahead treat any time the craving strikes.
Reheating
While these cookies are wonderful at room temperature, a quick 8–10 seconds in the microwave brings back all that fresh-from-the-oven softness and makes the butter glaze just a little bit melty—highly recommended if you want to sink your teeth into pure comfort.
FAQs
Do I have to use unsalted butter for this recipe?
Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the flavor and saltiness of the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, but in a pinch, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt slightly to account for it.
Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and keep an eye on the baking time—gluten-free cookies may bake a minute or two faster, but you’ll still get that tender, buttery result.
What’s the best way to store the butter glaze if I want to make it ahead?
You can prepare the glaze up to a day in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then gently rewarm and stir before brushing it onto your freshly baked cookies.
How long do Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay soft and delicious for up to five days, getting even more flavorful as the glaze continues to soak in.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches. Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are always a crowd favorite, and the glazed finish makes them just as beautiful on a dessert tray as they are delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the classic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—they turn simple ingredients into pure bakery magic. If you’re looking for a new family favorite, I can’t encourage you enough to bake a batch and see how fast they disappear!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic butter cake in cookie form. Soft, buttery cookies with a sweet glaze, they are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Butter Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mixture.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Prepare glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar, and water. Remove from heat, add vanilla.
- Glaze cookies: Brush warm glaze over hot cookies. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container overnight for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
