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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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