Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a charming reimagining of the beloved Southern classic, Kentucky Butter Cake.
This cake, known for its moist, buttery texture and indulgent glaze, has been transformed into a cookie that packs all its signature flavors into a delightful, handheld treat.
These cookies are a perfect blend of soft, cake-like crumb and rich, buttery sweetness, making them an ideal companion for a cup of tea or coffee.
The recipe marries the simple pleasures of traditional Southern baking with the convenience of cookies, ensuring that every bite is filled with the same nostalgic comfort as the original cake.
A family gathering, a special event, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will add a touch of Southern charm to any occasion.
How To Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies?
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serving Size: 24 cookies
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
5. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly during baking.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers should remain soft.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
9. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Nutrition Facts Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
Tips for Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
1. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth, well-combined dough.
3. Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
4. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can make the cookies dense and dry.
5. Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the butter glaze over the cookies while they are still warm. This allows the cookies to absorb the glaze, enhancing their moistness and flavor.
What Does The Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Taste Like?
The Kentucky Butter Cake cookie tastes like a heavenly blend of rich, buttery goodness with a soft, tender texture.
Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness from the brown and granulated sugars, enhanced by the subtle tang of buttermilk.
The golden, lightly crisp edges contrast perfectly with the moist, cake-like center, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.
The crowning glory is the luscious butter glaze, which seeps into the cookie, adding an extra layer of decadence and a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
It’s a comforting, nostalgic flavor that evokes the warmth and charm of homemade desserts.
How To Store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
To store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, first allow them to cool completely to avoid condensation. Then, place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking.
Keep the container at room temperature, where the cookies will stay fresh for up to five days.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container; they can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful way to experience the flavors of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake in a convenient and delicious cookie form.
These cookies offer a tender, buttery bite that is beautifully complemented by a sweet glaze, capturing the essence of the original cake while making it easy to enjoy on the go.
They are perfect for sharing at gatherings, adding a touch of Southern charm to any event, or simply indulging in a sweet treat.
The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks alike.
With their rich flavor and irresistible texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Equipment
- Mixingbowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers should remain soft.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.