Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Imagine biting into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s soaked with a sweet, buttery glaze and dotted with hints of vanilla—sounds dreamy, right? That’s exactly what you get with Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. This recipe transforms the classic Southern butter cake into hand-held, irresistibly glazed cookies perfect for sharing (although you might just want to keep them all to yourself!). These cookies bake up with tender centers, delicately crisp edges, and a golden sheen of buttery, sugary syrup on top. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday tin, or just a cozy night in, Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are sure to be requested again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about why each component of this recipe matters! Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies don’t need fancy add-ins; just a handful of reliable pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a unique role in building flavor, plush texture, and that signature buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The base of both the cookies and the glaze, butter brings melt-in-your-mouth richness and classic flavor. Always start with room temperature for best creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a lovely tender crumb. You’ll also need sugar for the glaze to create that signature candy-like finish.
- Large egg: Adds structure and helps bind the dough for cookies with a plush, tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Essential for that iconic Southern warmth and depth—don’t be tempted to skip or skimp!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving structure while letting the buttery flavors shine through.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cookies rise just enough for a slightly puffed, cake-like texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the rich flavors—trust me, it matters.
- Buttermilk: The secret to irresistibly soft, tender cookies with just a hint of tanginess.
- More unsalted butter (melted): This goes into the warm glaze, so every bite is even more buttery and indulgent.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth, spreadable glaze that soaks in beautifully.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always get a little excited at this point, knowing how delicious the house will soon smell! Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure golden, evenly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or some old-fashioned elbow grease) to cream the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar together. This step is crucial: take your time until the mixture is pale and fluffy for the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and a generous 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The egg adds richness and the vanilla brings in that signature Southern bakery vibe that defines Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, so every bite is just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately with Buttermilk
Now for a little baking magic! Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamy base, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry mixture—this gives you a tender, soft dough that’s never tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart (they will spread a bit). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
Step 7: Prepare the Buttery Glaze
While the cookies bake, whip up your glaze: Combine the melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, water, and a teaspoon of vanilla in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring, just until all the sugar dissolves—you want it smooth and glossy.
Step 8: Glaze the Hot Cookies
As soon as the cookies emerge from the oven, brush them generously with the warm glaze. This transforms them into Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies territory with glossy, sweet, buttery tops that soak in beautifully as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool completely on the sheet. Resist diving in too soon—the glaze sets as they cool, making for the perfect soft, slightly sticky finish. They’re irresistible and even better the next day!
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar on top of your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies elevates their vintage charm, or add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans for a Southern twist. Let the glaze set, then drizzle with a touch of honey or a pinch of sparkling sugar for an extra-special finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot bourbon-spiked cider, or fresh berries for a vibrant contrast. They’re wonderful next to a creamy latte or a pot of spiced black tea for a midday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in cellophane bags tied with twine for the sweetest homemade gift, or lay them out on a vintage cake stand for full Southern hospitality. For special occasions, sandwich two cookies with a layer of sweetened whipped cream or lemon curd—absolute magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The glaze continues to work its magic and the cookies get even more flavorful as time goes by—if they last that long!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature, then brush with the glaze just before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
If you like your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies a bit warm, pop them in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This brings the buttery aroma right back and makes the glaze just a little gooey—perfect for a quick treat!
FAQs
Why are Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies so soft and tender?
It’s all about the buttermilk and the careful balance of wet and dry ingredients. The buttermilk keeps the crumb rich and tender, while alternating the flour and liquid ensures the dough stays light and fluffy.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just cut back a bit on the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavors balanced. Your cookies will still turn out irresistibly buttery.
Is it possible to make these cookies ahead for parties?
Yes—Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies actually get better after a day or two! The glaze soaks in and the flavors deepen, making them the ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
While the traditional version is all about that buttery, glazed simplicity, you can definitely experiment! Try folding in chopped pecans for a Southern flair, or white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Check for lightly golden edges and soft but set centers. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so it’s better to take them out a tad early than to overbake—especially if you love a super soft, tender cookie.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to discover just how delightful Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are! They’re a little nostalgic, a lot delicious, and absolutely guaranteed to win fans wherever you serve them. Go ahead—pour yourself a glass of milk, brew a cup of tea, and treat yourself to the magic of these buttery beauties. Happy baking!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cake, transformed into soft, glazed cookies that are perfect for any occasion. They are rich, buttery, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Form dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Scoop the dough into balls, place on baking sheets, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Make glaze: Combine melted butter, sugar, water, and vanilla in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Glaze cookies: Brush warm glaze over the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Notes
- These cookies taste even better the next day as the glaze soaks in and enhances the flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
