Description
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are rich, buttery treats inspired by the classic Southern Kentucky Butter Cake. These soft, golden cookies are infused with vanilla and topped with a luscious buttery glaze that soaks in to create an irresistible finish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Butter Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps achieve a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air, then add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly for enhanced flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt, then gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop Dough: Form the dough into balls using a spoon or cookie scoop and place them on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
- Prepare Glaze: While cookies cool, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the granulated sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze Cookies: Spoon the warm butter glaze over the cooled cookies, letting it soak in for a few minutes to impart rich buttery flavor and a glossy finish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Use parchment paper to avoid cookies sticking and for easy cleanup.
- The glaze can be reheated gently if it thickens too much before use.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
