Description
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft-baked, buttery sugar cookies infused with rich vanilla and topped with a warm butter-sugar glaze. These cookies capture the classic flavors of the beloved Kentucky Butter Cake in a convenient, delicious cookie form. Perfectly tender with a lightly golden edge and a sweet glaze finish, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 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
For the Glaze
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add baking powder and salt to the bowl and continue mixing briefly. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing for a tender cookie.
- Form the Cookies: Using a medium-sized (2 tablespoon) cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, roll dough into balls for thicker cookies, spacing them evenly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges become slightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Make the Glaze: While cookies bake, combine butter, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until butter melts and sugar dissolves fully. Do not let the mixture boil to maintain smooth glaze consistency.
- Cool the Glaze: Remove the glaze from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly for easier glazing.
- Glaze the Cookies: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, spoon approximately one teaspoon of glaze onto each cookie. If the glaze has thickened too much, gently reheat to restore pourable consistency.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Once the glaze sets on the cookies, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and subtle sweetness.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft texture.
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- If glaze thickens too much, gently rewarm it before glazing.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For thicker cookies, roll dough into balls instead of scooping.
- Dust with powdered sugar after glaze sets for an elegant finish.
