If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that combines rich buttery goodness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, then this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies capture the essence of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake but in a perfectly portable, sweet little bite. Each cookie is delicately soft with a golden glaze that adds just the right touch of decadence, making them utterly irresistible whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking one (or two!) when no one is looking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create these scrumptious Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Each element plays a vital role: from the tender, buttery dough to the luscious glaze that gives each cookie its signature shiny finish and unforgettable flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender cookie.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite without spreading too much.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of a rich, creamy dough.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and adds slight caramelization during baking.
- 2 large eggs: Add moisture and help bind everything together.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Softens the dough so these cookies are tender and moist.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze): Creates the luscious, buttery coating.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze, adding a gleaming finish.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar in the glaze and distributes flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with a fragrant, sweet aroma.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick or burn on the bottom—little details like these make all the difference!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so your cookies bake with consistent texture and flavor. The baking soda will lift the cookies just the right amount.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is key to getting a tender crumb and that classic buttery richness these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is known for.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This builds flavor and helps the dough come together smoothly—plus there’s something comforting about vanilla that just can’t be beat.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Finally, stir in the milk. The dough should be soft but not sticky, which means you’ve hit the perfect consistency for shaping these little beauties.
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 two inches apart. This spacing helps each cookie bake evenly and maintain those soft edges.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just turn golden. Keep a close eye here—overbaking will dry these cookies out, but when baked correctly, they stay soft and slightly chewy, exactly how they should be.
Step 8: Whip up the Glaze
While the cookies bake, make the irresistible glaze. Melt butter in a small saucepan, then add sugar and water, stirring until all the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for a few minutes—this step creates that glossy shine you’ll drizzle on next.
Step 9: Flavor the Glaze
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch rounds out the sweetness with fragrant warmth, making the glaze just as dreamy as the cookies themselves.
Step 10: Glaze Your Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled just enough to handle but are still warm, brush or spoon the glaze over the tops. Let them soak in that buttery syrup for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. The glaze will set into a delicate, flavorful coating that’s pure magic.
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine all on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a little something special. A small twist of lemon zest or a light drizzle of melted chocolate amps up the flavor too and looks fantastic.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a rich cup of coffee or hot tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that feels extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of nuts, fruit, and maybe a few chocolate truffles. Wrapping individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a charming gift, while stacking them between parchment paper creates lovely little lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for nibbling over a few days or sharing with friends who stop by unannounced.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe last for up to 2 months without losing their delectable texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring thawed cookies back to their fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. Add a quick brush of glaze if desired, and you’ll be all set.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful that your cookies may be a bit saltier than intended since the recipe already includes salt. You might want to reduce or omit the extra salt accordingly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set surface that isn’t shiny or wet. The cookies should still be soft to the touch but not doughy. Remember, they will firm up slightly as they cool.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and watch for changes in dough texture. You may need to adjust moisture slightly, but the cookies should turn out delightful.
Is the glaze necessary, or can I skip it?
The glaze is what makes this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe truly special, adding that glossy finish and buttery sweetness that sets these cookies apart. Skipping it means missing out on their signature taste and texture.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes! These cookies store well at room temperature or can be frozen and thawed when needed. Just glaze them right before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion. They’re straightforward to make, so deliciously buttery, and carry that special Southern charm in every bite. Whip up a batch today and get ready to share some serious cookie love!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful treat inspired by the classic bourbon-infused cake. Soft and slightly chewy cookies are given a rich, buttery glaze, making them irresistibly decadent and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Butter Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agent and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the dough for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Stir in 1 tablespoon milk until the dough comes together with a soft but not sticky consistency.
- Form the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies bake, melt 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Vanilla to Glaze: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the glaze for a rich, aromatic finish.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have baked and cooled slightly, generously coat each cookie with the warm butter glaze using a spoon or pastry brush. Allow the cookies to absorb the glaze for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a perfect shiny, buttery coating.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better dough texture.
- Do not overbake cookies to maintain their soft and chewy centers.
- The butter glaze adds a rich, buttery sweetness reminiscent of traditional Kentucky Butter Cake.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a boozy twist, you can add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze while simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
