Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and infused with a rich vanilla glaze. Inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, these cookies bring the same moist, tender crumb and sweet buttery glaze in a perfectly portioned treat. They’re easy to make and perfect for gatherings or everyday indulgence.
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
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 for easy cleanup.
- 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 will give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine 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 seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can result in tough cookies.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and water, continuing to stir until the sugar has dissolved fully. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cookies: Spoon the warm glaze over the cooled cookies, allowing it to soak in and add a luscious buttery vanilla finish. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature butter for easy creaming and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- The glaze is best applied while warm so it can soak into the cookies well.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dry ingredients.
