Irresistible Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe: Soft & Sweet Joy

Have you ever stumbled upon a kentucky butter cake cookies recipe that promises pure indulgence?

Sweet memories of childhood desserts dance through my mind when I think about these delectable treats.

Creamy textures merge with buttery richness in each delightful bite.

My grandmother’s secret recipe whispers tales of comforting warmth and nostalgia.

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies capture the essence of traditional Southern baking magic.

Delicate crumbs promise an irresistible experience that connects generations of home bakers.

These cookies invite you to savor a moment of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Tips for Getting That Iconic Sweet Finish

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, creamy mixing without overheating.
• Control Cookie Texture: Slightly underbake cookies to maintain a soft, tender center that mimics the classic Kentucky butter cake's signature moistness.
• Prevent Glaze Separation: Stir butter, sugar, and water constantly while preparing glaze to create a smooth, uniform coating that absorbs beautifully into warm cookies.
• Layer Glaze for Intensity: Apply two layers of warm glaze while cookies are still hot to maximize flavor depth and create a rich, decadent finish.
• Enhance Flavor Complexity: Add a pinch of salt to the glaze or use salted butter to balance the sweetness and create a more nuanced taste profile.

How to Store Cookies and Keep Them Soft

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them cool and dry to maintain their soft texture.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 8-10 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their fresh-baked softness.
• If glaze becomes dry, lightly brush with a warm mixture of melted butter and powdered sugar to refresh the coating and enhance moisture.

What to Serve with These Sweet Treats

• Craft a smooth cocktail using bourbon, butter extract, and a hint of vanilla to echo the cake cookie's rich flavors. The alcohol's warmth complements the cookie's sweet, tender texture.
• Brew a creamy latte featuring vanilla bean paste or extract, matching the cookie's buttery vanilla notes. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the cookie's intense sweetness perfectly.
• Scoop a premium caramel pecan ice cream alongside these cookies. The nutty, rich caramel undertones enhance the butter cake cookie's decadent profile, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Steep a warm cinnamon-infused black tea that provides a gentle spice contrast to the cookie's smooth, sweet glaze. The tea's warmth and subtle heat create a delightful sensory pairing.

Cookie Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use almond milk or oat milk in the glaze to create a lactose-free alternative.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free powdered sugar replacement to lower overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Utilize almond flour or coconut flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free butter extract to create a low-carb cookie version.

Kentucky Butter Cookie Q&A

• What makes the texture of these cookies unique?

These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, similar to a traditional Kentucky butter cake but in cookie form. The butter glaze adds extra moisture and richness.

• Can I make these cookies without butter extract?

Yes, butter extract is optional. The cookies will still taste delicious with just vanilla extract. The butter extract just enhances the buttery flavor slightly.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly underbaked top. They might seem slightly soft in the center, but they’ll continue to set as they cool. Baking for 10-12 minutes usually gives the perfect texture.

• Is the glaze necessary for the recipe?

The glaze is a signature element of these cookies and adds incredible moisture and flavor. While you could skip it, the glaze is what makes these cookies truly special and gives them their distinctive Kentucky butter cake character.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

• Quick Butter Cake Cookies
• Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal technical skills required. Anyone can create these delectable treats without feeling overwhelmed by complex techniques.
• Whips up in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal recipe for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings. Minimal preparation and quick baking time mean you'll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Delivers rich, buttery flavor that appeals to all ages, from kids to adults. The nostalgic taste of butter cake transformed into a cookie format creates an irresistible treat that will disappear quickly at potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
• Adaptable to various occasions like birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or simple weekend snacking. The glaze adds an extra layer of decadence that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients for Buttery Cookie Perfection

Primary Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookies, all-purpose flour works best for consistent texture.

Sugar: Granulated and powdered sugar combine for sweetness and tender crumb, white refined sugar recommended.

Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender texture, use unsalted butter at room temperature for best results.

Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture, large room temperature eggs preferred.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor, pure vanilla extract offers deeper taste.

Butter Extract: Optional ingredient for extra buttery dimension, enhances cake-like quality.

Baking Essentials:

Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, fresh baking powder ensures proper leavening.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile, fine table salt works well.

Water: Helps create smooth glaze consistency, tap water is suitable.

How to Bake These Soft, Glazed Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Set oven to 350F (175C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar

Whip until fluffy and light (2-3 minutes).

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Butter extract

Mix thoroughly.

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just blended.

Step 3: Form Cookie Shapes

Roll dough into small rounds (1.5 inches). Place on prepared baking sheets with 2-inch spacing. Gently press down with spoon or hand.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Cook for 10-12 minutes. Edges should look set, tops slightly underbaked. Remove from oven. Let rest on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 5: Craft Butter Glaze

In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and water. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Glaze Cookies

While cookies remain warm, brush or spoon glaze over each cookie. Allow glaze to soak in. Optional: Apply second glaze layer.

Step 7: Complete and Serve

Cool cookies completely. Allow glaze to set. Serve and savor delightful treats.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Buttery Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies melt with rich, nostalgic Southern charm, delivering crumbly comfort in each delectable bite. Warm vanilla notes and silky glaze invite you to savor these irresistible treats that celebrate classic American dessert traditions.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional, for extra buttery flavor)

Stabilizing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Create the cookie base by thoroughly creaming butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes of consistent mixing.
3. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract into the sugar mixture, blending until completely integrated and smooth.
4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing minimally to prevent overworking the dough.
5. Form uniform cookie portions by rolling dough into 1.5-inch spheres, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing.
6. Gently flatten each dough ball using the back of a spoon or palm, creating a slight disk shape.
7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly underdone centers, which will continue firming as they cool.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
9. Craft the signature glaze by melting butter over medium heat, then introducing sugar and water while continuously stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
10. Remove glaze from heat and blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
11. While cookies remain warm, generously brush or drizzle glaze over each cookie, permitting the liquid to penetrate the surface.
12. Optional: Apply a second glaze layer for intensified flavor and moisture.
13. Permit cookies to cool entirely, allowing the glaze to solidify and develop a delicate, sugary crust.

Notes

• Customize the butter extracts by experimenting with different flavors like almond or maple to create unique taste profiles.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that prevents clumping.
• Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, guaranteeing uniform baking and professional-looking results.
• Adjust baking time slightly for softer or crispier cookies depending on personal texture preference, watching edges closely to prevent over-browning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg