Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, these cookies are soft with a slight crisp at the edges, generously glazed with a sweet and buttery syrup. With a simple dough and an irresistible glaze, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. The glaze soaks into the warm cookies, adding a deep, satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
For the Butter Glaze:
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Scoop & Bake
Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze
While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Glaze the Cookies
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a pastry brush or spoon to generously brush the warm glaze over the tops of the cookies. Make sure to soak each cookie thoroughly—the glaze will seep into the warm cookies, creating a rich, buttery flavor.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For added flavor, you can mix in a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough before baking. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze adds a lovely shine and extra sweetness, so don’t skip that step!