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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the cookies to the perfect golden color.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional butter extract into the creamed mixture, blending until fully combined and smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
