Description
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and glazed sugar cookies inspired by the classic Southern butter cake. These cookies combine a tender dough with a sweet butter glaze that soaks into the warm cookies, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for dessert or tea time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Butter Glaze:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms, making sure not to overmix.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set, giving the cookies a soft and tender crumb.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies cool, combine butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, brush the butter glaze generously over each cookie to soak in sweetness and moisture.
- Final Touch: Allow the glaze to soak in and cool completely. Optionally, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- The cookies taste even better the next day as the glaze fully soaks in, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- For a festive variation, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking or drizzle with vanilla icing after glazing.
