A Classic Kentucky Treat Turned Into Cookies
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If you’ve ever had Kentucky Butter Cake, you know how irresistible it is—moist, buttery, and full of flavor. Now imagine that same rich taste packed into a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what you get with these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Every bite has a golden crisp edge with a tender center, finished with a sweet buttery glaze that soaks into the cookie like magic. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings Southern comfort straight into your kitchen.
Why These Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite
What makes this recipe truly special is the buttery glaze. Unlike ordinary sugar cookies, these cookies are brushed with a warm butter-sugar mixture right out of the oven, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both rich and satisfying. They’re also easy to make in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or an afternoon treat, these cookies always impress. The recipe yields about two dozen cookies, making it great for sharing—though you might want to keep a few for yourself!
Serving Ideas and Variations
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also dress them up. Try dusting them with powdered sugar, drizzling with white chocolate, or adding a hint of almond extract for a flavor twist. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, and they make wonderful gifts when packaged in a festive tin. If you prefer smaller treats, make mini versions and serve them at parties or gatherings. No matter how you enjoy them, these cookies deliver big flavor with little effort.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the cookies bake, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in sugar, water, and vanilla until the sugar dissolves. Brush the warm glaze over cookies immediately after baking. Let sit a few minutes to absorb.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the glaze fresh if you want the best flavor.
Q: Do I have to use buttermilk?
A: Buttermilk gives the cookies their soft texture and slight tang. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, freeze baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Add glaze after thawing for best results.
Q: Why do my cookies turn out flat?
A: Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and that you measure flour correctly. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can also help.
Q: What makes these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
A: The buttery glaze! It seeps into the cookies, giving them a rich, moist texture that sets them apart.