Let’s have a little heart-to-heart, shall we? We all have that one recipe the one that’s quick to whip up, pleases even the pickiest eaters, and never fails to make us feel like a total kitchen rockstar. Well, friend, this is that recipe. These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are everything you love about old-fashioned Southern butter cake… in cookie form. Yes, you read that right. We’re taking the warm, buttery bliss of cake and turning it into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’ll have your family begging for “just one more.”
Whether you’re wrangling kiddos, hosting a book club (hello, wine night!), or just need a little sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these butter cake cookies are your new best friend. They’re easy, they’re comforting, and they taste like a warm hug from Grandma herself.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
These cookies aren’t just good they’re stand-around-the-oven, sneak-a-bite-before-they-cool good. Here’s why they belong in your recipe rotation:
- Soft & Buttery Texture: The kind that practically dissolves on your tongue (thank you, butter!).
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy pantry raids here just wholesome, everyday ingredients.
- That Glaze Though: A dreamy vanilla-butter glaze soaks into each cookie for that signature Kentucky butter cake flair.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From bake sales to holidays, these cake cookies with butter bring the wow factor every time.
Let’s Get Baking! (Step-by-Step)
Alright, tie up that apron, pour yourself some sweet tea (or coffee I won’t judge), and let’s get these butter cake cookies in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pro tip: This helps your cookies bake evenly and slide off effortlessly.
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, cream together your room-temperature butter and sugar for about a minute. You want a nice, fluffy base. Add in the eggs and vanilla, scraping down the sides as needed this is where the magic begins.
- Dry Ingredients Time: Sprinkle in your baking powder and salt, then slowly add the flour. Mix until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix we’re making cookies, not bricks!
- Scoop & Shape: Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop dough onto your baking sheet. Feeling hands-on? Roll them into balls for a thicker, cake-like bite.
- Bake for 9–11 Minutes: Keep an eye out for golden edges. Don’t overbake these babies are best when slightly soft in the middle.
The Glaze: A Little Love on Top
While those cookies are doing their thing in the oven, grab a small saucepan and melt butter, sugar, water, and vanilla over medium-low heat. Stir constantly, but don’t let it boil. We want smooth, not bubbly.
Let the glaze cool for about 5 minutes just enough to thicken slightly then spoon a teaspoon over each warm cookie. Warning: Your kitchen will smell divine. If the glaze thickens too much, gently reheat it.
Want to feel extra fancy? Dust with powdered sugar once the glaze sets. Instant bakery vibes.
Tips & Tricks (From My Kitchen to Yours)
- Room Temp Butter Is Key: It blends better and helps the dough come together smoothly.
- No Cookie Scoop? No problem. Two spoons or your hands will do just fine.
- Make It Ahead: Dough can be made a day ahead and chilled. Fresh-baked cookies whenever you want? Yes, please!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully just thaw and re-glaze if needed.
Serving & Storing These Cake Cookies with Butter
These beauties are fabulous straight from the oven or the next day with your morning coffee. Serve them on a pretty platter at brunch or tuck them into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat. If you’re making them ahead for a party or holiday gathering, they store well in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!). Pop them in the freezer for longer storage just let them thaw before glazing.
A Little Story Behind These Cookies…
This recipe is one of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into a family legend. Inspired by my Grandma Mary’s famous butter cake, I decided to experiment with cookie form for a bake sale and, well, I never looked back. Now, Leo and Mia ask for these almost weekly, and they’ve become my go-to when I need something easy but totally impressive. Trust me, your friends will think you spent hours baking. (Let them think that it’s our secret!)
FAQ: Your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Questions, Answered
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt by half to balance it out. Salted butter can give these cake cookies with butter a richer flavor.
What makes these different from regular sugar cookies?
Great question! These cookies are softer, more tender, and that buttery glaze gives them a unique cake-like finish. They’re basically cake in cookie clothing.
Can I freeze these butter cake cookies?
Yes! Freeze them unglazed in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw and add the glaze fresh for best results.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
You can, but why would you? The glaze is what transforms these from good to can’t-stop-eating delicious. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes!
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. It sounds odd, but the bread helps maintain moisture and softness.
Craving More Sweet Southern-Inspired Treats?
If these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies made your taste buds dance, you have to check out some of my other crowd-pleasing desserts:
- This Pecan Pie Lasagna is layers of crunchy, creamy, pecan-filled perfection ideal for holidays or anytime you need a wow-worthy dessert.
- For peanut butter lovers, don’t miss my Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches a fun, indulgent treat that’s as playful as it is delicious.
- And if you’re into cozy, fruit-forward bakes, this Blueberry Coffee Cake is perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.
Let’s keep the sweet vibes going there’s always room for more joy in the kitchen!
Let’s Wrap It Up
So there you have it a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that brings the comforting flavors of the South straight into your kitchen. Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a little sweet, a little buttery, and a whole lot of joy in every bite. Whether you’re looking for butter cake cookie recipes for a special occasion or just because (the best reason, really), these cake cookies with butter are bound to become a household favorite.
Give them a try and let’s keep the delicious traditions going, one cookie at a time.
Ingredients and quantities can be found directly below in the recipe card happy baking!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Inspired by the classic Southern dessert, these cookies boast a tender crumb and are topped with a luscious vanilla-butter glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, they bring a touch of Southern hospitality to your table.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze:
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar for about 1 minute until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the baking powder and salt to the butter mixture, mixing to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
Shape the Cookies: Using a medium (2-tablespoon) cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them appropriately. Alternatively, roll the dough into balls for a thicker cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden. Do not overbake to ensure a soft center.
Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are baking, combine the butter, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil. Allow the glaze to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) to thicken.
Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and, while still warm, spoon about one teaspoon of the glaze onto each cookie. If the glaze thickens too much, gently reheat it.
Optional Finishing Touch: After the glaze has set, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cookies and glaze them after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Carbohydrates: 25mg
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 24mg