Soft, buttery, and rich, these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Featuring a tender cookie base and a sweet, buttery glaze that melts in your mouth, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The cookies are ultra-soft and moist with a buttery flavor that’s hard to resist.
The glaze adds a rich sweetness, making these cookies stand out.
Simple ingredients come together quickly for a stress-free baking experience.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging at home.
Inspired by the timeless Kentucky Butter Cake, these cookies capture the same comforting flavors in a smaller, more portable form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
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
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and water, continuing to stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
Spoon the warm glaze over the cooled cookies, allowing it to soak in for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Nutty Addition: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Spiced Glaze: Enhance the glaze with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the glaze has set, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a luxurious finish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about an hour. Gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Related Recipes:
- Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
- Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
FAQs
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
Using softened butter and not overmixing the dough will help keep the cookies tender. Also, avoid overbaking; remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, but you’ll need to reheat it slightly before spooning it over the cookies to ensure it’s pourable.
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
What’s the best way to portion cookie dough?
A cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized cookies, which bake evenly and look professional.
Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze is what makes these cookies special, but you can skip it or replace it with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler treat.
Conclusion:
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a beloved cake in a smaller, easier-to-share format. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with their buttery richness and sweet glaze. Enjoy them fresh, and don’t forget to try out the suggested variations for an extra touch of creativity!
📖 Recipe
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly flavors of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with this easy-to-follow recipe. With a buttery cake mix base and a delectable glaze, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing guests at any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Scoop dough into balls and place on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and water until dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
- Spoon warm glaze over cooled cookies, allowing it to soak in before serving.
Notes
For Citrus Variation: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies and warm briefly in the microwave if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 210 kcal
