Irresistibly Buttery Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe That Will Have You Coming Back for More!
Baking is often woven into the fabric of our lives, creating sweet memories that are both comforting and nostalgic. I remember the first time I had Kentucky Butter Cake — my grandma would whip it up during family gatherings, filling the whole house with the warm, buttery aroma that promised love in every bite. Now, that same comforting essence comes to life in a delightful treat: my Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe!
These cookies take the best aspects of traditional Kentucky butter cake — that rich, buttery flavor and moist texture — and transform them into an easy-to-make, irresistible cookie. What makes this recipe special is not just the mouthwatering taste but also the feel-good memories that accompany it. Each cookie is a nostalgic bite that brings me right back to grandma’s kitchen, making them perfect for sharing (or bingeing on solo!).
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to bring these buttery delights to your kitchen. From why this recipe shines above others to step-by-step baking instructions, I promise you’ll be mastering the art of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies like a pro! So, let’s get baking and fill our homes with that signature buttery goodness!
What Are Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies?
Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic Southern dessert, renowned for its rich flavor and moist texture, often associated with family gatherings and special occasions. But this Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe takes that beloved cake and reimagines it as a delightful cookie!
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s delicately crisp on the edges while the center melts away into a buttery dream — that’s the magic of these cookies. The perfect balance of sweetness from the buttery glaze, combined with a tender crumb, makes them utterly addictive.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family barbecue, craving a sweet treat for a rainy day, or looking for a festive dessert to impress your guests. They capture the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are some compelling reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies recipe:
Unmatched Flavor: The buttery richness and sweet glaze provide a delightful combo that you simply can’t find in store-bought cookies. Unlike many generic store-bought options, these cookies pack a flavor punch that truly celebrates butter!
Cost-effective: Making these cookies from scratch is not only enjoyable, but it’s also budget-friendly. With simple ingredients you likely already have, you can create a huge batch for a fraction of what you’d spend at a bakery.
Customization Galore: While the original recipe is fantastic, you can experiment with flavors! Add chocolate chips, or sprinkles, or even use different extracts to make them uniquely yours!
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, this cookie recipe is straightforward, guiding you through each step. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve delicious results — just follow along!
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser. The comforting buttery taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture are guaranteed to impress, making them an ideal treat for get-togethers or care packages.
If you love treats that infuse warmth and happiness into your home, this recipe for Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310 g / 11 oz) all-purpose flour: Be sure to use fresh, high-quality flour. Store brands like King Arthur Baking or Gold Medal work well!
- 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar: Sweeten things up with standard granulated sugar.
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) powdered sugar: This adds a lovely finish and sweetness to the cookies.
- 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened: Always use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- 2 large eggs: Ensure they’re at room temperature for better emulsification.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for deeper flavor.
- 1 tsp butter extract (optional): Boost that buttery flavor for a richer experience.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensure freshness for best rising capability.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances overall flavors.
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter: Again, go for unsalted.
- ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the glaze.
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) water: Helps to dissolve the sugar.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.
Prep Notes: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this helps in creating a fluffy batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring easy cookie release later.
Batter Creation:
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy and light, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using), mixing well until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Aim for a smooth, cohesive dough without overmixing.
Shaping:
5. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form uniform balls of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on prepared baking sheets with ample space in between.
6. Gently flatten each ball with your fingertips or a smooth utensil to create even discs.
Baking:
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for subtle golden edges and slightly soft centers. Remember that cookies will continue to set while cooling! Allow them to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Glaze Construction:
8. In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in granulated sugar and water, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves before removing from heat. Mix in the vanilla extract to create a silky glaze.
Finishing:
9. While cookies are still warm, generously brush or drizzle the glaze over the tops, letting it soak into each cookie for maximum sweetness. A second glaze application can enhance moisture and flavor.
Serving:
10. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks to let the glaze solidify into a delicate, glistening finish. Voilà! Present your Kentucky-inspired delights, and indulge in their rich, buttery essence!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to maintain freshness longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
Make-ahead Tips: The dough can be prepared and chilled ahead of time for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for impromptu baking sessions!
Troubleshooting: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Storage Suggestions: Always ensure your cookies are completely cool before packaging them. For transport, consider layering them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing the dough; this can lead to tough cookies. Mixing should be just until the ingredients are combined.
Additional Flavor Notes: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest for an unexpected twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a delicious standalone treat, but consider serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence. For special occasions, arrange them on a decorative platter with a touch of greenery to elevate the presentation. Perfect for holiday gatherings or birthday parties, these cookies are sure to steal the show!
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Chip Kentucky Butter Cookies: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist!
- Seasonal Adaptations: Use pumpkin spice or peppermint extracts for seasonal flavors during the fall or winter holidays.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative, and use flax eggs for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Estimated Calories per Serving: 160 calories (varies based on size and glaze application)
- Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature in an airtight container or in the fridge for longer freshness.
FAQ Section
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze cookie dough balls and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.What should I do if I don’t have butter extract?
You can simply substitute with more vanilla extract, though the butter extract does enhance the flavor.Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can result from over-creaming the butter and sugars, or using melted butter instead of softened.Can I use self-rising flour?
While self-rising flour can work, you will need to reduce or skip the baking powder, as it already contains leavening agents.What’s a good substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) or applesauce as a substitute.Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure you have enough space on your baking sheets to accommodate all those delicious cookies!What’s the best way to glaze the cookies?
Using a pastry brush offers an even glaze coverage, but if you prefer a drizzle effect, a spoon works well too!Do I need to chill the dough?
While chilling isn’t necessary, it can help reduce spread if you find your cookies flatten too much.What happens if I overbake them?
They’ll become dry, so always monitor your cookies closely during the baking time.How can I tell when they’re done?
Look for golden edges with soft centers. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
Conclusion
This Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is not just a cookie recipe; it’s an invitation to indulge in the rich, buttery flavors that bring family and friends together. With stunning results and the comfort of nostalgia, you’ll find yourself baking these cookies again and again.
I can’t wait to hear how your batch turns out — don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed making these, check out my other delightful recipes on the blog for more tasty adventures in baking! Happy baking! 🥳🍪
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 2.5 cups 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Be sure to use fresh, high-quality flour.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar Sweeten things up with standard granulated sugar.
- 0.5 cup ½ cup powdered sugar Adds a lovely finish and sweetness to the cookies.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Always use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- 2 large 2 large eggs Ensure they're at room temperature for better emulsification.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract Opt for pure vanilla extract for deeper flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp butter extract Optional, boosts that buttery flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder Ensure freshness for best rising capability.
- 0.25 tsp ¼ tsp salt Enhances overall flavors.
For the glaze
- 0.5 cup ½ cup unsalted butter Again, go for unsalted.
- 0.75 cup ¾ cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the glaze.
- 0.25 cup ¼ cup water Helps to dissolve the sugar.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds flavor to the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Batter Creation
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy and light, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using), mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Shaping
- Form uniform balls of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on prepared baking sheets with ample space in between.
- Gently flatten each ball with your fingertips or a smooth utensil.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden edges and soft centers. Allow them to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Glaze Construction
- In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in granulated sugar and water, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves before removing from heat. Mix in the vanilla extract to create a silky glaze.
Finishing
- While cookies are still warm, generously brush or drizzle the glaze over the tops.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks to let the glaze solidify.