Description
Experience the rich, buttery flavor of classic Kentucky Butter Cake transformed into bite-sized cookies. These Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies feature a soft, tender crumb infused with vanilla and butter extracts, topped with a luscious buttery glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, this recipe combines a simple dough with a sweet, glossy glaze, creating an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a favorite.
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 prepare for baking the cookies to a perfect golden finish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This creates an even base for the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract and optional butter extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough (Optional): Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up, which helps the cookies maintain their shape when baking.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing cookies evenly to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in granulated sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Glaze Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, either dip each cookie into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies to coat them generously, allowing the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for better cookie shape and texture.
- Butter extract is optional but enhances the buttery flavor if available.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best mixing results.
- Store glazed cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a richer glaze, you can simmer the glaze a bit longer to thicken it more, but be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, butter cake cookies, glazed cookies, buttery cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, dessert cookies, sweet glaze
