Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies capture the rich, buttery flavor of the classic Southern butter cake in a delightful cookie form. Soft, tender, and glazed with a luscious butter sugar glaze, these cookies are perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they bring old-fashioned charm and sweetness to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Butter Glaze
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture until fully combined, adding moisture and flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Form cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to promote even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through yet still tender in the center.
- Prepare butter glaze: While cookies bake, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract, heating just until the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the cookies: Once the cookies come out of the oven, immediately spoon about 1 teaspoon of the warm glaze over each cookie so that it soaks in, adding sweetness and a buttery finish.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the glaze, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies taste even better the next day as the glaze fully settles and mellows.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can slightly warm the cookies before serving to revive the buttery aroma and softness.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture in the dough.
