Name: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you adore melt-in-your-mouth treats with a scrumptious, buttery twist, you’re in for a real delight with Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Imagine all the classic rich flavors of the beloved Kentucky butter cake, but in a tender, golden cookie form—complete with a warm, glossy butter glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny. These cookies are soft, exceptionally flavorful, and perfect for sharing (if you don’t eat them all yourself!). Their subtle vanilla aroma and gorgeous golden color make them as beautiful on your dessert table as they are irresistible to your taste buds.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role. From the richness of real butter to the sweet finish of the powdered sugar, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create cookies with the perfect crumb and a luscious glaze.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show, providing richness and the signature buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that classic cookie texture.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Blends in for extra softness and a smooth, almost meltaway quality.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and lend tenderness to the cookies.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses each bite with a warm, comforting aroma—don’t skimp on quality here!
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the structure while keeping the cookies soft and light.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a little lift so your cookies bake up just right.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings forward all the delicious flavors.
For the butter glaze: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract—this simple mix creates that irresistible finishing touch that sets Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies apart!

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepping your pan ensures the cookies won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze, so you can focus on the fun part: baking!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture, which is key for those dreamy, tender Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. This step really sets the tone for their crumbly, soft bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. This method helps incorporate air for a light consistency and ensures a well-mixed, flavorful dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to an ultra-soft cookie!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the centers are set.

Step 6: Make the Butter Glaze

While the cookies are baking, prepare your indulgent glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just starting to bubble—then remove from the heat and mix in the vanilla. This glaze is what sends Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies straight into legendary territory!

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

Once the cookies come out of the oven, immediately brush each one generously with warm butter glaze. The cookies will soak up the glaze, locking in moisture and flavor. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies absolutely shine with a simple, glistening glaze, but you can make them extra special by sprinkling a touch of powdered sugar over the top just before serving. For a pop of color, try adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a tiny dusting of edible glitter to catch the light.

Side Dishes

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. They’re also delightful alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy yet elegant dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn a batch of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies into a jaw-dropping dessert platter at your next gathering by stacking them on a tiered cake stand. Wrap them in rustic parchment and tie with baker’s twine for heartwarming edible gifts. For the ultimate treat, use two cookies to sandwich a layer of buttercream, then drizzle with extra glaze—pure heaven!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft, moist, and flavorful for up to five days, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or last-minute guests.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then layer them between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature for an instant, homemade indulgence.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds. If you want to refresh the glaze, brush on a little extra melted butter before reheating. It’s a simple trick that revives their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth magic.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but reduce the added salt by half to keep flavors balanced. Unsalted butter lets you better control the cookies’ saltiness.

Why do I need both granulated and powdered sugar?

Using both types of sugar gives Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies their unique texture. Granulated sugar provides structure and crisp edges, while powdered sugar softens the crumb for that signature meltaway feel.

Is it important to glaze the cookies while they’re warm?

Yes! Brushing the cookies with glaze as soon as they come out of the oven ensures it soaks in beautifully, adding extra moisture and flavor. If you wait until they’re cool, the glaze will sit more on top and won’t penetrate as well.

Can I double the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles well. Just make sure to bake in batches and rotate your pans for even baking, especially if your oven can’t accommodate all the cookies at once.

What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?

Store your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and add a slice of sandwich bread if you live in a dry climate—the bread keeps them extra soft by absorbing excess air moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something unforgettable about the simple joy of biting into a soft, buttery cookie glazed to perfection. If you’ve never tried Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies before, you’re in for a true treat—and if you have, you already know how incredibly comforting (and impossible to resist) they are. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share these sweet bites of Southern charm with everyone you love!

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic butter cake, transformed into soft, glazed cookies that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and simply melt in your mouth, with a rich buttery flavor that is sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Butter Glaze:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Form and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the glaze: Combine butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan, stir until dissolved, and add vanilla.
Glaze the cookies: Brush warm butter glaze over the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.