Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies offer a rich, buttery flavor wrapped in a tender, perfectly glazed cookie. Inspired by the classic Southern Kentucky Butter Cake, these bite-sized treats are ideal for sharing or savoring solo. They’re simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter extract (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• For the glaze:
• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using) to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing for a tender cookie.
6. Step 6: Optionally, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make scooping easier and improve texture.
7. Step 7: Scoop the dough onto a lined cookie sheet, spacing the cookies evenly apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the granulated sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a slow boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Step 10: Once the cookies are warm, dip or drizzle them generously with the prepared glaze. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, use browned butter instead of softened butter in the dough.
• If you don’t have butter extract, increase vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and gives a thicker cookie.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice twist.
• Use a cookie scoop to get uniform cookie sizes and even baking.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The glaze may soften over time, but the cookies remain delicious. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave to refresh the glaze before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.

Do I have to use the glaze?

The glaze adds signature sweetness and moisture that defines the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler, less sweet cookie. They’ll still be delicious on their own.

Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 355 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring the rich, buttery goodness of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake into bite-sized delicious cookies. These cookies boast a tender crumb infused with vanilla and butter extracts, baked to golden perfection, then finished with a luscious buttery glaze that adds a glossy, sweet touch. Perfect for any occasion, these treats deliver a nostalgic yet fresh flavor experience in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter extract (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Glaze

• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the cookies to the perfect golden color.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the flour.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, usually about 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional butter extract into the creamed mixture, blending until fully combined and smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
6. Chill dough (optional): Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up, which can help with shaping and lead to better texture in the final cookie.
7. Scoop dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the dough balls adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies develop a slightly golden edge, indicating they are perfectly baked.
9. Prepare glaze: While the cookies bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in granulated sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a slow boil to dissolve sugars and create a shiny glaze, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
10. Glaze cookies: Once the cookies are warm out of the oven, dip them individually into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies to coat them with a sweet buttery finish. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for easier handling and improved texture.
• Butter extract can be omitted if not available; vanilla alone provides sufficient flavor.
• For best results, use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content in the recipe.
• Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain freshness.
• Adjust the glaze thickness by simmering longer for a thicker glaze or less time for a thinner coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, Butter Cake Cookies, Glazed Cookies, Southern Cookies, Butter Cookie Recipe