Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, then these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies will make your taste buds sing! Imagine the flavor of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake turned into a delicious, chewy cookie—sweet, buttery, and with a slight crunch on the edges. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a holiday treat. I mean, who can resist a soft, golden cookie drizzled with a sweet, buttery glaze? You’re going to want to make these again and again!
Why You’ll Love Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Versatile: Whether it’s a special celebration or just a Tuesday afternoon, these cookies fit every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry ingredients, these cookies won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and easy steps, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time!
Customizable: Add a touch of lemon zest or chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a guaranteed hit! Soft, buttery, and irresistible, they’re perfect for any crowd.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Butter: The heart of these cookies, providing that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly, giving them that golden-brown crisp.
Eggs: Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the dough.
Flour: The base of the dough, giving the cookies that soft, chewy texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for the perfect bite.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Butter Extract (optional): For that extra buttery flavor!
Ingredients in Glaze
Butter: The glaze gets its creamy, buttery goodness from this.
Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it that perfect glossy finish.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the glaze and adds a sweet, aromatic touch.
Heavy Cream: Makes the glaze smooth and velvety.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful treat:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffier, the better!
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract (and butter extract if using).
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or your cookies may turn out too tough.
Scoop and Shape
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re a little soft when they come out of the oven.
Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sugar together. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and savor the buttery goodness in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 160
(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
- Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet surprise.
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
Additional Tips
- If you want a richer flavor, add lemon zest to the dough for a tangy twist.
- For extra texture, try adding a handful of chopped pecans to the dough.
- If you don’t want to drizzle the glaze, you can dip the cookies in the glaze for a more indulgent experience.
FAQ’s
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using real butter. Margarine can change the consistency of the cookies.
3. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds an extra buttery richness that takes the cookies to the next level.
5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
You can try using a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture may vary slightly.
6. Why are my cookies too flat?
Make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly—too little flour can result in flat cookies.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, chocolate chips would be a great addition! Add about ½ cup to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
8. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and the glaze, but keep in mind that this may affect the texture.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough room on your baking sheet for all the cookies.
10. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for best results.
Conclusion
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a buttery, sweet treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds! With their soft, chewy texture and indulgent glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch today, and enjoy the deliciousness with family and friends. Enjoy!
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Indulge in the rich flavors of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, where a moist, buttery cake-like texture meets a tender crumb with a hint of vanilla. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat, these cookies bring a touch of Southern charm to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert/Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze (optional):
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft and cake-like.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
– For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
– Enjoy these cookies warm for a softer texture.
– Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg