Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies capture the rich, buttery flavor of classic Kentucky butter cake in a delightful cookie form. Soft, tender, and glazed with a sweet buttery icing, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to bake and wonderfully addictive, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter extract (optional, for extra buttery flavor)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter (for glaze)
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar (for glaze)
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water (for glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional butter extract until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together without overworking it.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into uniform 1.5-inch balls. Place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets, then flatten each ball into a gentle disk using a spoon or your palm.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
7. Step 7: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
8. Step 8: For the glaze, melt the ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and water continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Step 9: While the cookies are still warm, generously brush or drizzle the glaze over them. For extra flavor and moisture, apply a second layer after the first has absorbed.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely so the glaze can set and form a delicate, sugary crust.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer butter flavor, don’t skip the optional butter extract—it’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
• Use room temperature butter for creamier dough and better texture.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice twist.
• Glaze can be prepared ahead and warmed slightly before applying for convenience.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer, refrigerate for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the glaze if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Will these cookies keep their softness?

Yes, thanks to the buttery glaze, they stay moist and tender for several days when stored properly.

Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of classic butter cake with the convenient, handheld format of a cookie. These cookies feature a tender, fluffy texture with a glossy, sweet glaze, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The recipe includes a simple dough enriched with vanilla and optional butter extract, baked to golden perfection and finished with a silky vanilla glaze for irresistible flavor and shine.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter extract (optional, for extra buttery flavor)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Glaze

• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to create an ideal nonstick surface for baking the cookies.
2. Sugar Fusion: Cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar vigorously until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth, forming a perfect base for the dough.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional butter extract to the creamed sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and uniform.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Gently fold the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, mixing just enough to incorporate without overworking the dough to keep it tender.
5. Cookie Shaping: Roll the dough into consistent 1.5-inch spheres. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets, then gently flatten each ball into a disk using the back of a spoon or your palm.
6. Baking Process: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, aiming for edges that are set and a slightly underbaked center, which will continue to firm during cooling for perfect texture.
7. Initial Cooling: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Glaze Creation: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and water, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant finish.
9. Glazing Technique: While the cookies are still warm, generously brush or drizzle the glaze over each cookie, allowing it to soak into the surface. Optionally, apply a second layer of glaze for enhanced flavor and moisture retention.
10. Final Cooling: Allow the glazed cookies to cool fully on the wire rack, giving the glaze time to set into a delicate, shiny, sugary coating.

Notes

• Optionally adding butter extract enhances the buttery flavor but is not necessary.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough when adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender and light.
• Flattening the cookie dough balls ensures even baking and the classic Kentucky Butter Cake cookie shape.
• The glaze is best applied while cookies are warm for better penetration and shine.
• Allow cookies to cool completely to let the glaze fully set for optimal texture and presentation.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, Butter Cake Cookies, Southern Cookies, Butter Glaze Cookies, Soft Butter Cookies