Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for utterly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you are going to adore this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture all the rich flavors of traditional Kentucky Butter Cake but in a perfectly portable cookie form that’s ideal for sharing at gatherings or savoring with your afternoon tea. With their tender crumb, luscious vanilla glaze, and just the right golden edges, these cookies feel like a warm hug from the South. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a standout recipe to impress friends, this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is a delightful and memorable choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples, yet each plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color you want in your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. The simplicity here lets the butter and vanilla shine through beautifully.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and that tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness without puffing up too much.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star ingredient that adds richness and moisture.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
• 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Boosts the indulgent aroma and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Keeps the dough soft and workable.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze): Creates the silky butter glaze that defines these cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze beautifully.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar to achieve a smooth glaze.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds depth to the glaze’s flavor profile.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking. This simple step is crucial for achieving those perfect edges without any mess.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly before combining with wet ingredients helps distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly, resulting in cookies that bake up uniform in texture and flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—it usually takes about three minutes. This creaming process introduces air, giving the cookies their delicate texture and tender crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These steps add moisture and richness while the vanilla begins infusing the dough with that signature warm flavor we love in Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough. Then stir in the tablespoon of milk until the dough comes together gently. The dough should feel soft but not sticky, ready for scooping onto your baking sheet.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging as they bake. This spacing ensures your cookies maintain their lovely individual shape.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly—your goal is a soft, chewy center with gently crisp edges. Perfect golden edges are one of the hallmarks of the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe.

Step 8: Prepare the Butter Glaze

While the cookies are baking, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This glaze will elevate the cookies from delicious to irresistibly decadent.

Step 9: Add Vanilla to the Glaze

After removing the saucepan from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely fragrant depth that perfectly complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies.

Step 10: Glaze the Cookies

Once your cookies are out of the oven and have cooled slightly—not completely—you can glaze them. Using a spoon or pastry brush, coat each cookie with the warm butter glaze. Allow the cookies to soak in this luscious glaze for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This final step seals in moisture and adds that signature shiny finish you’ll adore.

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the warm glaze can add an exciting contrast that enhances the buttery sweetness. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar can create an elegant, snow-kissed look for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of strong coffee, or your favorite hot tea. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves for a charming presentation. You can also stack them tied with a pretty ribbon for gifting or party favors that will impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents the glaze from becoming sticky or sticky.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and glaze them fresh for best results.

Reheating

Gently warm cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes before glazing or serving. This refreshes their soft, buttery allure and revives the glaze’s glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to reduce the added salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning your cookies.

Is it necessary to make the glaze while the cookies bake?

Making the glaze as the cookies bake saves time and ensures it’s warm and ready to coat freshly baked cookies, which helps them absorb the glaze perfectly.

Can I use this recipe to make bars instead of cookies?

Absolutely! Press the dough into a lined baking pan and bake a little longer until golden and set. Then pour the glaze over the warm bars for a delicious twist on the classic Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe.

What makes these cookies different from regular butter cookies?

These cookies combine a tender, cake-like texture with a buttery, sweet vanilla glaze that’s reminiscent of the iconic Kentucky Butter Cake. The glaze is what sets them apart, giving an irresistible shine and extra richness.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges while the centers stay soft. They should feel set but not hard when gently pressed. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s better to take them out a little early.

Final Thoughts

If you’re chasing a cookie that feels both nostalgic and spectacularly indulgent, this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, guaranteed to please, and perfect for sharing a moment of sweetness with friends and family. Give it a go and watch how quickly these tender, glazed beauties disappear from your kitchen!

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