Name: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk

These irresistible Kentucky butter cake cookies blend Southern charm with sweet simplicity.

Soft crumbles melt across your tongue like delicate whispers of buttery magic.

Grandma’s classic dessert transforms into bite-sized delights that dance between crisp edges and tender centers.

Warm vanilla notes weave through each morsel, creating an experience more comforting than a gentle embrace.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how effortlessly these cookies come together with minimal ingredients.

Simple pantry staples become extraordinary when mixed with a touch of culinary creativity.

You won’t be able to resist sampling these delectable treats straight from the cooling rack.

Why Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Are Pure Bliss

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delectable cookies in no time, satisfying sweet cravings quickly.
The rich, buttery flavor and smooth glaze make these cookies a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, ensuring everyone asks for the recipe.
Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack, after-dinner treat, or packaged as a homemade gift that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.

Main Ingredients:

Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base that gives the cookies their signature Kentucky butter cake flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's soft consistency.

Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the butter cake profile.
Powdered Sugar, Milk: Combined to create a smooth, sweet glaze that adds a delightful finishing touch to the cookies.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper.

Warm up the oven to 350°F so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and combine the following ingredients:

Flour
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk them together until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This process helps create a smooth texture.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Make sure to space them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Slide the sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for a light golden color around the edges, which signals they’re perfectly done.

Step 6: Create Delicious Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, whip up a quick glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk together until smooth.

Once the cookies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that ensures a tender texture.
Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming tough or crumbly.
Let cookies cool slightly before glazing so the topping sets beautifully without completely melting into the cookie.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful buttery softness.

How to Store & Reheat Butter Cake Cookies Easily

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each row. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious buttery texture.
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor when thawed.
Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to prevent softening.
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

Sipping & Snacking With Butter Cake Cookies

Sip Sweet Vanilla Latte: Creamy vanilla latte complements the buttery richness of the cookies, enhancing their sweet vanilla undertones and providing a warm, comforting beverage pairing.
Pair Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the cookie's richness, adding a bright, fresh contrast that balances the dessert's sweet and dense texture.
Match Caramel Cream Liqueur: Smooth caramel cream liqueur echoes the butter cake's decadent flavor profile, creating a luxurious dessert experience with complementary sweet notes.
Serve Cinnamon Chai Tea: Spicy chai tea's warm cinnamon and cardamom notes beautifully highlight the cookies' subtle sweetness and provide a cozy, aromatic companion.

Butter Cake Cookies: Creative Spin Ideas

Gluten-Free Butter Cake Cookies: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these sweet treats.
Vegan Butter Substitute Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use egg replacer or mashed banana to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
Reduced Sugar Edition: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to lower the overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's signature rich flavor profile.
Nutty Crunch Variation: Mix in chopped pecans or almond pieces into the dough for added texture and a subtle nutty undertone that complements the buttery base.

FAQs

Why use parchment paper for baking these cookies?

Parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensures even browning, and makes cleanup easier without using extra grease.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall salt content.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for light golden edges and a slightly set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, tender texture.

What makes the butter glaze so special for these cookies?

The simple milk and powdered sugar glaze adds a sweet, rich finish that enhances the buttery flavor and creates a delightful, slightly crisp coating when it sets.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.

Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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