Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Buttery Delight
Introduction: A Cookie Inspired by a Classic Cake
Let me tell you about the day I discovered the magic of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. I was craving something sweet, rich, and buttery, but not just any cookie would do. I wanted something that tasted like a warm hug in dessert form. That’s when I remembered the famous Kentucky Butter Cake—a classic Southern treat known for its buttery richness and moist crumb. Inspired by that cake, I decided to create a cookie version, and let me tell you, these cookies are now a permanent fixture in my kitchen. Soft, buttery, and just a little crispy on the edges, they have all the flavors of the beloved cake, but in an easy-to-make, hand-held form.
Why You’ll Love These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
These cookies are indulgent without being too fussy. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, a sweet vanilla-butter flavor, and a delicious glaze that soaks into the cookie, making them even more irresistible. Perfect for serving at parties, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are bound to become your new favorite.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves soft, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla sweetness. If you’re a fan of butter cake, or you just appreciate a rich, indulgent treat, these cookies are for you. They’re perfect for holiday baking, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want a comforting, homemade dessert.
A Little Slice of Southern Comfort in Every Bite
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is simple and straightforward, with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, if you’ve ever had Kentucky Butter Cake, you know exactly what kind of buttery heaven you’re about to create in cookie form.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make these soft, buttery cookies:
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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Butter Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Key Ingredient Breakdown
- Butter: The star of the show, bringing a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor to both the cookie dough and the glaze.
- Sugar: Both granulated and powdered sugar are used to give the cookies the perfect sweetness and texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the buttery flavor and adds a hint of warmth to the cookies and the glaze.
Ingredient Swaps
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute to make these cookies dairy-free without losing their signature buttery flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have these tools handy:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Saucepan (for the glaze)
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Directions for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should end up with 24-28 cookies, depending on the size.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly soft—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: 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, cooking until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 8: Glaze the Cookies
While the cookies are still slightly warm, brush or drizzle the butter glaze over the tops of the cookies. The glaze will soak into the cookies, adding extra buttery goodness. Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack.
