Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

why make this recipe
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring the rich flavor of a classic dessert into a delightful cookie form. These cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a sweet glaze that makes them truly irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a sweet treat at home, they are sure to impress family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make a batch in no time.
how to make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Ingredients :
Cookie dough:
- Unsalted butter — 1 cup
- Granulated sugar — 1 cup
- Large eggs — 2
- Buttermilk — 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract — 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour — 3 cups
- Baking powder — 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking soda — 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt — 1/2 teaspoon
Butter glaze:
- Unsalted butter — 1/2 cup
- Confectioners’ sugar — 1 cup
- Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon
- Water — 2 tablespoons
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and 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 just until incorporated.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the butter glaze by whisking together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and, while still warm, brush them generously with the butter glaze.
- Allow the glazed cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Serve the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own, but you can also pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a perfect snack. These cookies are great for sharing, so consider putting them on a beautiful plate for a charming presentation.
how to store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
To store your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Simply wrap the individual cookies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their taste and texture for up to three months.
tips to make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until incorporated to keep the cookies soft.
- Adjust baking time: Depending on your oven, keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to prevent overbaking.
variation
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor. Consider using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist on the glaze.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/4 cup of milk with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking the cookies.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened, at room temperature
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs At room temperature
- 1/4 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with sour milk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Butter glaze
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Melted
- 1 cup Confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and 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 just until incorporated.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the butter glaze by whisking together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and, while still warm, brush them generously with the butter glaze.
- Allow the glazed cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.