Irresistibly Soft Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

These mouthwatering Kentucky butter cake cookies melt like velvet clouds on your tongue, promising pure dessert magic.

Soft whispers of buttery goodness dance across every delicate crumb.

Sweet memories surface with each tender bite, connecting childhood comfort to contemporary culinary delight.

Rich vanilla undertones weave through a perfectly balanced texture that speaks of southern hospitality.

Creamy and decadent, these cookies transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Baking becomes an art form when you craft these irresistible morsels that guarantee smiles and second helpings.

Let the aroma guide you toward creating something truly spectacular.

Reasons to Love Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies require minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Super simple recipe that takes minimal preparation time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Captures the beloved flavor of classic Kentucky butter cake in a convenient cookie format, bringing a touch of southern charm to your sweet treats.
• Versatile Dessert: Suitable for multiple occasions like potlucks, family reunions, bake sales, or casual weekend snacking with their universally appealing buttery taste.

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and a smooth texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake-like texture.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and consistency.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: These ingredients help the cookies rise and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor that complements the buttery base.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, smooth drizzle that adds extra moisture and decoration to the cookies.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Use an electric mixer to blend until the texture looks light and airy.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

Gently add eggs one by one into the creamy mixture. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything combines smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain soft and cake-like.

Step 8: Cool and Rest Cookies

Remove cookies from oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Optional Glaze Finish

For extra indulgence, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until silky smooth. Drizzle this glaze over cooled cookies for a sweet finale.

Helpful Tips for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Stop stirring as soon as dry ingredients are just combined to keep cookies tender and cake-like in texture.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Drizzle glaze when cookies are completely cool to prevent running and achieve a beautiful, clean finish on top.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, buttery texture.

Flavor Variations for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft, cake-like texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Chip Kentucky Butter Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a classic flavor enhancement that complements the buttery base.
• Almond-Infused Butter Cookies: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract and add 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds to the dough for a nutty, rich variation.
• Lemon Zest Kentucky Butter Cookies: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and replace vanilla glaze with a lemon-infused glaze for a bright, citrusy profile.

Best Pairings for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Complement the buttery sweetness of the cookies with a smooth, rich vanilla latte that echoes the cake-like flavor profile.

Balance the cookies’ richness with a cold, creamy scoop of salted caramel ice cream that adds a delightful temperature contrast.

Create a warm, spicy counterpoint to the sweet cookies with a fragrant chai tea that highlights the vanilla and butter notes.

Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds alongside the cookies for a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that enhances the dessert’s complexity.

Proper Storage for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

• What makes these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies have a unique cake-like texture and rich buttery flavor, mimicking the characteristics of a traditional Kentucky butter cake in cookie form.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

• Are these cookies good for people who prefer less sweet desserts?

While the cookies have a sweet glaze, the base cookie itself has a balanced butter flavor that isn’t overwhelmingly sugary, making them appealing to those who don’t like overly sweet treats.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring melt-in-your-mouth nostalgia with rich, buttery goodness. Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in these irresistible treats you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, then mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring minimal stirring to maintain a tender texture.
6. Carefully drop rounded cookie portions onto the lined baking sheet, maintaining approximately 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges and soft, cake-like centers.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
9. For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky, then delicately drizzle over completely cooled cookies.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients blend seamlessly and prevent potential cookie clumping.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender, cake-like cookie consistency that mimics the original Kentucky Butter Cake’s soft crumb.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg