Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, but transformed into soft, chewy cookies with the same rich, buttery flavor. These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a tender crumb and a sweet buttery glaze. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 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 soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for a chewier texture)
For the Butter Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Slightly flatten the top of each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Butter Glaze
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and water, and cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Glaze the Cookies
- While the cookies are still slightly warm, brush the tops of each cookie with the warm butter glaze using a pastry brush.
- Allow the glaze to soak into the cookies for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet treat anytime.
Cook Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, well-mixed dough.
- Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is optional, but it adds a slight tang and helps give the cookies a chewier texture.
- Extra Glaze: If you want more glaze, you can double the glaze recipe and drizzle it over the cookies instead of brushing.
Variations
Lemon Butter Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough and replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy version of these cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Butter Cookies
Roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon before baking for a sweet, cinnamon-spiced twist.
Chocolate-Drizzled Butter Cookies
Once the cookies have been glazed and cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra decadent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best results, store them with a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled if you need more cookies for a party, potluck, or holiday gathering.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a soft, buttery, and sweet treat that combines all the flavors of a classic Kentucky butter cake into a handheld dessert. With their tender texture and rich glaze, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
