Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a dessert that wraps you in warm, buttery goodness with a touch of sweet glaze, you need to try the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. This delightful treat takes the beloved richness of a classic Kentucky butter cake and transforms it into a soft, tender cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers buttery flavor balanced perfectly with a sugary glaze that seeps into every crumb, making these cookies an irresistible indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your cookie collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial in creating the perfect Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. Each plays a role in the texture, flavor, and that signature buttery richness that makes these cookies so special.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the rich, creamy base vital for tender cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping the cookies tender and soft.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise for light, fluffy cookies.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies buttery flavor.

Butter Glaze Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Melts into a buttery glaze that seeps into the warm cookies.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a sticky, shiny finish.
• 1 tablespoon water: Combines ingredients smoothly and adjusts glaze consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a final touch of flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cream

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Then, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until your mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is where the magic starts, as incorporating air into the butter and sugar sets the stage for tender cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The egg brings moisture and helps bind the dough, while the vanilla infuses a warm, sweet aroma that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agent and seasoning, which is key for consistent texture and flavor throughout every bite.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here because you want your cookies soft and tender, not tough or chewy.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that lovely thin, buttery texture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start turning a delicate golden color. Keep an eye on them—the goal is a soft, slightly golden cookie, not a crunchy one.

Step 7: Prepare the Butter Glaze

While the cookies are baking, make your glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract, heating gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This luscious glaze gives the cookies their signature shine and extra burst of buttery sweetness.

Step 8: Glaze the Cookies

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, spoon about one teaspoon of the warm butter glaze over each cookie. The warmth helps the glaze soak right in, making each bite irresistibly glossy and tender. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze can elevate their flavor and presentation. A delicate dusting gives an elegant, homemade touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with a hot cup of coffee, a rich latte, or a glass of milk for a classic combo that highlights the cookies’ buttery sweetness. They also work beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, stack the cookies into a charming tower tied with a ribbon or arrange them on a platter with edible flowers or fresh berries. You can even sandwich them with a thin layer of softened buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a playful twist on the traditional treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’re in luck—leftover Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies actually taste better the next day as the glaze has more time to soak in and meld with the cookie’s buttery interior. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes them perfect for baking ahead of time.

Freezing

If you want to stock up or save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and defrost quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies fresh again, a quick 10 to 15-second zap in the microwave can help recover that fresh-baked softness and warm glaze appeal. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning, so if using salted butter, omit the ¼ teaspoon of added salt.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. For best texture, look for a blend that contains xanthan gum and is specifically designed for baking cookies.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, and their flavor often improves as the glaze sets fully.

Is the butter glaze necessary?

The butter glaze is what makes this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe truly special, adding a luscious, sweet finish that soaks into the cookie. While you could skip it, you’d miss the signature buttery shine and extra moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time can enhance the flavors and make the dough easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

There is something so heartwarming and utterly satisfying about the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-bake for anyone who loves rich, tender cookies with a sticky, buttery glaze. I encourage you to give these a try and watch how quickly they become a treasured recipe in your kitchen. Baking them is a joy, sharing them even more so, and savoring each bite is pure bliss. Happy baking, friend!

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