Name: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you adore melt-in-your-mouth buttery sweets with a touch of Southern charm, then the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These soft-baked, buttery sugar cookies capture all the classic flavors of a traditional Kentucky butter cake, but in perfectly bite-sized cookie form. The rich dough is kissed with vanilla and a hint of salt, then crowned with a luscious butter-sugar glaze that adds just the right sparkle of sweetness. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking one (or ten!) yourself, these cookies bring a cozy, nostalgic feel that delights every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up top view of a large silver metal mixing bowl filled with a thick, beige dough mixture. The dough has a rough, soft texture with some small lumps and is pressed together in the middle of the bowl, leaving some dough remnants on the sides. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting is bright, making the dough appear slightly moist. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one is essential to giving the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies their signature flavor and texture. From the creamy butter to the hint of vanilla, each component plays a key role in achieving that perfect soft, tender crumb and irresistibly glossy glaze.

1 cup butter, room temperature: Provides richness and tenderness in the cookie base.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
2 teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that helps cookies rise just right.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the body of the cookies, providing the perfect chew.
For the glaze:
1/4 cup butter: Creates a silky texture and butter-rich taste in the glaze.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and sparkle to the topping.
1 tablespoon water: Helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth glaze.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Infuses the glaze with warm flavor to complement the cookies.
Powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty dusting after glazing, adding a delicate sweetness.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this keeps your cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together for about a minute. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in that soft and tender cookie texture you crave.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. Scraping down the sides as needed makes sure no pockets of unmixed ingredients are left behind for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the baking powder and salt, mixing briefly to combine. Then, gradually add the flour and mix just until the dough pulls together. Overmixing can create dense cookies, so stop as soon as it’s combined.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop dough portions on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, rolling into balls works if you prefer thicker cookies. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges start to turn a soft golden hue. Keep an eye on them—over-baking dries them out.

Step 6: Make the Butter-Sugar Glaze

While the cookies bake, melt the glaze ingredients (butter, sugar, water, and vanilla) gently over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar fully dissolves, but don’t let it boil. Once done, let it cool for about five minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Glaze the Warm Cookies

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, spoon a teaspoon of the warm glaze over each one. The glaze sets while the cookies cool, creating a shiny, buttery finish that’s simply divine. If the glaze thickens too much, just warm it gently again.

Step 8: Optional Powdered Sugar Dusting

For that extra touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the glaze once it has set. It adds a lovely contrast and a little extra sweetness that takes the cookies to the next level.

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

The image shows several light golden round cookies with a soft texture sitting on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. One cookie in the front has a bite taken out of it, revealing a fluffy, airy inside with a slightly crumbly texture. The cookies are sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar, which also dusts the white marbled surface around the rack, adding a delicate touch. The cooling rack's thin black metal bars create a grid pattern beneath the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the butter-sugar glaze steals the show, feel free to add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for a personalized twist. These garnishes can complement the buttery sweetness beautifully and add a pleasant texture.

Side Dishes

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies shine on their own but also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a smooth tea. Their buttery flavor cuts through creamy beverages, creating a perfectly balanced treat time experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden tray lined with a soft linen napkin for a charming Southern-inspired presentation. For parties, serve them stacked with small bowls of extra glaze or whipped cream for dipping — guests will surely be impressed by this sweet and buttery delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to savor these little pockets of buttery heaven.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking and glazing instructions. Frozen baked cookies can also be stored airtight in the freezer for about a month.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, heat a few cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This gently softens the cookie and refreshes the glaze just enough to feel like they just came out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe?

You can substitute unsalted butter for salted butter if preferred, but adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly. For flour, sticking to all-purpose is best for texture, but a gluten-free mix could be experimented with cautiously.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft but set center. The cookies might seem a little underdone, but they continue to firm up as they cool, making them perfectly tender.

Is the glaze necessary for these cookies?

The glaze is what sets this recipe apart, adding that iconic buttery-sugar shine and extra moisture. While you can enjoy the plain cookie dough alone, the glaze truly completes the experience.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

With careful substitutions of plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk alternative, you can try adapting the recipe. However, the traditional rich buttery flavor is central to the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe’s charm.

Why does my glaze sometimes get grainy?

Make sure to dissolve the sugar thoroughly over low heat without boiling. Stir continuously to prevent sugar crystallization for a smooth, shiny glaze that sets beautifully over the cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe that makes you feel warm and right at home with every bite. These cookies are simple enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon yet impressive enough to share with loved ones at any gathering. If you’re looking to add a little buttery magic to your baking repertoire, this recipe is the one to try first — your taste buds will thank you!