Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

If you’ve ever had a slice of Kentucky Butter Cake, you know just how indulgent, buttery, and utterly delicious it is. Now, imagine turning that beloved cake into perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Yes, you read that right—Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies! These little gems are packed with the rich, sweet flavor of the original cake but in cookie form. They’re soft, buttery, and have the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. These cookies are so addictive that you’ll be tempted to reach for just one more (and another, and another…). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Buttery Perfection: If you love buttery desserts, these cookies will be your new favorite treat. The combination of butter and vanilla creates an incredibly rich and comforting flavor.
• Soft and Chewy: The texture is what sets these cookies apart—soft, chewy, and with a slight crisp on the edges. It’s the perfect balance!
• Easy to Make: You don’t need any special baking skills to whip up these cookies. The recipe is simple, and the results are outstanding.
• Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, sending them as a gift, or just enjoying them with a cup of coffee.
• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for these cookies are likely already in your pantry, making it an easy go-to recipe when you need a quick, comforting treat.

Ingredients

For these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: The star of the show, providing the rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the lovely texture.
• Eggs: Bind the dough together and give the cookies their structure.
• Vanilla Extract: For a warm, comforting flavor that complements the butter perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookies, giving them structure and tenderness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and airy.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

For the Butter Glaze:

• Unsalted Butter: To create a rich, flavorful glaze that adds a sweet finish to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze, making it just the right consistency to drizzle over the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies!

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart.
2. Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them spread evenly while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake them—they’ll firm up as they cool.
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze

1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
3. Let the glaze cool slightly so it thickens to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. Drizzle the warm butter glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a small piping bag.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per cookie (1 cookie):

• Calories: 150-180
• Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies as a snack alongside your favorite hot beverage.
• At a Party: Serve them at your next gathering—they’re sure to disappear quickly.
• With Ice Cream: Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• As a Gift: Package them in a cute tin or box to give as a homemade gift. They’ll be a hit with anyone who receives them.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Make Ahead: You can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Customize the Glaze: You can add a little bit of lemon zest or almond extract to the glaze for a unique twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
A1: Yes! While the glaze adds a delicious finishing touch, the cookies are still amazing on their own without it.

Q2: Can I use salted butter for these cookies?
A2: It’s best to use unsalted butter for precise control over the salt level in the recipe, but if you use salted butter, just omit the extra pinch of salt in the dough.

Q3: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the cookies once they’ve cooled completely. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Q5: How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A5: To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative and use a dairy-free milk for the glaze.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans to the dough before baking for added texture and flavor.

Q7: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A7: If your cookies spread too much, the dough may be too soft. You can chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.

Q8: Can I use light butter instead of regular butter?
A8: While light butter can be used, it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Regular butter yields the best results for soft, chewy cookies.

Q9: How do I make these cookies softer?
A9: To make the cookies softer, you can slightly underbake them (remove them from the oven when they are just golden around the edges) and let them cool on the baking sheet.

Q10: How long do the cookies last?
A10: The cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Conclusion

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a must-try! They capture all the rich, buttery goodness of the classic cake, with the added convenience and charm of being in cookie form. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these cookies will bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence to any occasion. Happy baking!

Print