Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

If you are craving a rich, buttery treat that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more, then you are going to adore this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, tender cookies soaked with a luscious butter glaze that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of vanilla warmth. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake and transforms them into delightful, bite-sized cookies that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become your next favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating that classic texture and buttery flavor you expect from Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. From the soft all-purpose flour that forms the cookie base to the rich unsalted butter that adds creamy goodness, every element is purposefully chosen to make these cookies unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect tender crumb to the cookies.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the buttery flavor.
• Unsalted butter (softened): The star ingredient delivering buttery richness and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes nicely during baking.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to both the dough and the glaze.
• Milk: Softens the dough and ensures it comes together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (for glaze): Creates that signature buttery shine and flavor on top.
• Granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect coating.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar in the glaze and achieve a smooth texture.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

To set yourself up for success, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right to bake the cookies until they’re tender with lightly golden edges. Meanwhile, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for an easy release and mess-free baking.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly dispersed and will give the cookies a consistent texture and rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are anything but dense.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, giving each a good mix after you add it to create a smooth, cohesive batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting fragrance and flavor profile that Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is famous for.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Then stir in the milk, which helps bring the dough together without making it sticky. The result should be soft and manageable—perfect for scooping onto your baking sheet.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give room for slight spreading. No need to flatten them; the dough will bake into beautifully rounded cookies with soft centers.

Step 7: Bake Until Gentle Gold

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden but centers that remain soft and slightly chewy. Be careful not to overbake, as you want to keep that moist, buttery texture that makes these cookies so addicting.

Step 8: Make the Butter Glaze

While your cookies bake, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes to create a rich, glossy glaze.

Step 9: Add Vanilla to the Glaze

Remove your glaze from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cookies perfectly.

Step 10: Glaze Your Cookies

Once the cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously coat each cookie with the warm butter glaze using a spoon or pastry brush. Allow them a few minutes to absorb the glaze before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step gives the cookies their signature shine and irresistible moistness.

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a rustic yet elegant touch, sprinkle your glazed Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. It enhances the buttery-sweet flavor and adds a lovely contrast that’s visually appealing and delicious.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a spiced chai tea. The richness of the cookies complements the warm bitterness or spice of your beverage of choice, creating a balanced indulgent treat experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies into mini dessert platters? Bundle a few alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated look and flavor combo that will wow your guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, maintaining that soft, buttery texture you love.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm and fresh-tasting, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the soft, gooey texture and revives the luscious butter glaze perfectly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work well here. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to provide structure similar to regular flour.

Is there a way to make these cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar slightly in both the cookie dough and glaze. Keep in mind that the glaze adds a lot of sweetness and moisture, so balance is key to maintaining texture.

Why do I need both softened butter and melted butter in this recipe?

The softened butter is creamed with sugar to incorporate air, creating light, tender cookies. The melted butter in the glaze adds rich buttery flavor and moisture, sealing it into the baked cookie.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but be mindful when adding salt to the dough. Since salted butter already contains salt, you may want to reduce or omit the extra salt to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but not watery. After simmering, it should have slightly thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon but still be easy to brush onto the cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe brings together rich, buttery flavors with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sharing these cookies feels like giving a warm hug to anyone lucky enough to taste them. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking—and savoring—a homemade classic that’s perfect for any occasion.

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