This Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! It comes together in about 30 minutes and involves the straightforward method of baking. These cookies are a quick and easy dessert that your family will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
2 ½ cups (310 g / 11 oz) all-purpose flour: This is your base ingredient that gives these cookies structure. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if needed!
1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that traditional cookie texture.
½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) powdered sugar: For a touch of sweetness that melts in your mouth, giving that buttery goodness an extra kick.
1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened: Trust me when I say you want the real deal here. If you need that extra buttery flavor, you can opt for the 1 tsp butter extract later on.
2 large eggs: These will bind everything together beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Because every cookie deserves a sprinkle of this classic flavor!
1 tsp butter extract (optional): Seriously, a couple pinches of this can make these cookies taste out of this world buttery!
1 tsp baking powder: The magic ingredient that helps them rise to perfection!
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness, don’t skip out on this!
½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter (for glaze): Gives that yummy cookie a deliciously shiny finish.
¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar (for glaze): Makes the glaze sweet and irresistible.
¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) water (for glaze): Just a splash to help dissolve the sugar!
1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Just because we can.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (5 minutes)
First thing’s first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures a smooth cookie release – we don’t want any gooey disasters here!
Batter Creation (10 minutes)
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and light. This part should take about 3-5 minutes and make your kitchen smell heavenly. Once it looks all creamy and dreamy, blend in the eggs, and mix until fully incorporated.
Now, let’s add the vanilla (both regular and butter extract if you want!). Mix, mix, mix! Then gently incorporate the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. You want your dough to be smooth and cohesive, so don’t go overboard on the mixing!
Shaping (5 minutes)
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form uniform cookie balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. It’s time to shape these little delights! Gently flatten each ball using your fingertips or a smooth utensil. You can create discs or leave them rounded; it’s totally up to you!
Baking (10-12 minutes)
Pop those cookie trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the subtle golden edges and slightly soft centers. Remember, the cookies will continue setting as they cool!
Once done, let them rest on the cookie trays for a couple of minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. The smell wafting through your house? So worth it.
Glaze Construction (5 minutes)
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter. Add the sugar and water, stirring until everything is dissolved and smooth, this is where the magic happens! Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract for that extra oomph.
Finishing Touches (5 minutes)
While the cookies are still warm, brush or drizzle that silky glaze all over the tops! If you want to get extra decadent, feel free to apply a second glaze layer for even more moisture and sweetness.
Serving
Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving, which gives that glaze time to solidify into a delicate finish. When you finally bite into one, you’re in for a rich, buttery experience that is truly, mouthwateringly good.
If you loved this irresistible Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe, be sure to check out my Cinnamon Roll Cookies, my Cowboy Cookies, or my Cannoli Cookies! You definitely won’t want to miss those!
Tips for Success
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those moments when you need a sweet fix in a snap.
Minimal Cleanup
You’ll love how this recipe uses just one bowl for mixing and a saucepan for the glaze, resulting in minimal cleanup needed. Win-win, right?
Crow-Pleaser
Trust me, the whole family will love it! These cookies will disappear before you can say “Kentucky Butter Cake.”
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Swap out the extracts, add chocolate chips, or sprinkle with nuts. The options are endless!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are divine on their own, but pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea to elevate your snack game!
Storage
These cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days. If you let them sit longer, you might find that they become a tad drier (though the glaze helps with that!).
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy them warm again, just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or if you’re feeling fancy, warm them in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked experience!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature, or microwave for a quick warm-up.
And that’s a wrap on my Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe! Trust me, you’re going to want to prepare this delightful dessert again and again! So, gather the kids, get your ingredients, and let’s make some cookie magic happen!
Making this dessert is not just about the flavors, it’s about the memories created and moments shared over delicious cookies. I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy cookies inspired by the classic Kentucky butter cake, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and ideal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butter extract (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (for glaze)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (for glaze)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs and mix until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate the vanilla and optional butter extract.
- Mix in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Form uniform cookie balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Let them rest on the trays before transferring to cooling racks.
- Melt ½ cup of butter in a saucepan, then add sugar and water, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract for the glaze.
- Brush or drizzle the glaze over warm cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Notes
These cookies can be customized with various extracts or toppings like chocolate chips or nuts. They are also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg