Dreamy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Soft, buttery cookies that melt instant butter cake mix magic right into every delectable bite.

These Kentucky butter cake cookies blend the richness of traditional cake with the convenience of a simple cookie recipe.

Bakery-style treats often seem complicated, but this version simplifies the process beautifully.

Each golden morsel carries a delicate, sweet flavor that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Pillowy texture meets rich butterscotch undertones in a dessert that promises to delight even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Warm from the oven, these cookies transform an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure indulgence.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates simplicity and irresistible flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 24

What You’ll Need for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety texture and enhances deep, buttery flavor in cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and contributes to soft, tender cookie crumb.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
• Butter Extract: Intensifies buttery notes and enhances overall richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as primary structure foundation for cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, airy interior.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor dimensions.

• Butter: Creates silky, luxurious glaze with golden undertones.
• Sugar: Provides glossy sweetness and helps glaze caramelize.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create smooth glaze consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic complexity to the glaze.

Kitchen Tools for Making Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Sheets: Flat pans for even cookie baking.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick lining prevents cookies from sticking.
• Small Saucepan: For preparing the butter glaze.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: To generously coat cookies with warm glaze.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Spatula or Spoon: For flattening cookie dough balls.

How to Bake Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies from Scratch

Whip Up Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab some parchment paper and line your baking sheets for a smooth cookie adventure.

• Create Magical Dough

Grab your mixing bowl and blend butter, sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Splash in eggs and vanilla, mixing until everything hugs together perfectly. Gently fold in flour mixture, stirring just until combined.

• Shape Cookie Delights

Roll dough into cute little balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on your prepared sheets with plenty of breathing room. Give each ball a gentle smoosh with your palm.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and let them dance for 10-12 minutes. You want edges looking golden and centers slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking while cooling, so don’t overbake.

• Create Luxurious Glaze

Melt butter in a small pan. Stir in sugar and water, keeping things moving until sugar dissolves. Kill the heat and add vanilla for extra magic.

• Drench in Buttery Goodness

While cookies are still warm, brush or drizzle glaze generously. Let each cookie drink up the sweet coating. Repeat glazing for maximum deliciousness.

• Serve and Celebrate

Allow cookies to cool completely. Watch them disappear faster than you can say “Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies”!

Smart Tips for Better Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Butter Cake Magic Tricks: Transform your cookies from good to incredible!
• Butter Temperature Perfection: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for that dreamy, fluffy texture. Room temperature butter blends seamlessly with sugars, creating a silky smooth dough.
• Glaze Application Pro Tip: Brush glaze while cookies are warm to help it penetrate deeply, creating a moist, decadent treat that melts in your mouth with buttery richness.
• Texture Tweaking Technique: Slightly underbake cookies to maintain a soft, tender center. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet, ensuring a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version. Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes to create a delightful vegan alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Storage Secret Weapon: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Pro move: Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies wonderfully soft and fresh.

Serving Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies the Sweet Way

• Perfect Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a beautiful ceramic tray with delicate doilies for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Creamy Companion: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to enhance the buttery richness of the cookies.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Pack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon for a homemade present that shows you care about your loved ones.
• Dessert Upgrade: Dust the glazed cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add colorful sprinkles for extra visual appeal and texture.

Store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies to Keep Them Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain freshness and prevent sticking for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state for convenient baking.
• Temperature Tactics: Keep glazed cookies in a single layer to prevent crushing or smearing delicate butter coating. Room temperature storage works best to retain soft, tender texture.
• Quick Moisture Guard: Add a small piece of bread to cookie container to maintain optimal softness and prevent cookies from becoming dry or crumbly during storage.

Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Sweet kentucky butter cake cookies merge classic Southern dessert charm with irresistible cookie form. Rich buttery flavor and delicate crumb create an indulgent treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter extract (optional, for extra buttery flavor)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating an optimal baking environment.
2. Sugar Fusion: Vigorously cream butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency, developing a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract into the sugar mixture, ensuring complete incorporation and a uniform texture.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Gently fold flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain the dough’s delicate structure.
5. Cookie Shaping: Roll dough into uniform 1.5-inch spheres, arranging them strategically on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing, then flatten each ball into a gentle disk using a spoon or palm.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 10-12 minutes, targeting set edges with slightly underdone centers that will continue to firm during cooling.
7. Initial Cooling: Rest cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, allowing initial stabilization.
8. Glaze Creation: Melt butter over medium heat, introducing sugar and water while stirring continuously until sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat and infuse with vanilla extract.
9. Glazing Technique: While cookies remain warm, generously brush or drizzle glaze, allowing it to penetrate the surface, optionally applying a second layer for enhanced flavor and moisture.
10. Final Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely, permitting the glaze to solidify and develop a delicate, sugary exterior.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming, which creates a light, fluffy cookie texture.
• Minimal Mixing Technique: Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Consistent Sizing Counts: Use a cookie scoop or weigh dough portions to guarantee even baking and uniform cookie appearance.
• Glaze Application Timing: Brush glaze while cookies are still warm to help it seep into the surface, creating a moist and flavorful result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 66 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 29 mg