Kentucky butter cake cookies: 7 heavenly bites to savor

Name: Kentucky butter cake cookies: 7 heavenly bites to savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

July 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh wow, let me tell you about these Kentucky butter cake cookies! They’re absolute little bites of heaven, bursting with rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture that just melts in your mouth. Inspired by the classic Kentucky butter cake, these cookies manage to capture all the best parts of that beloved dessert in a convenient, hand-held treat. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy southern kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked goodies fills the air.

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to whip up. I can have a batch ready in no time, and they always disappear faster than I can say “Kentucky butter cake”! They’re perfect for gatherings, a sweet snack with coffee, or just a little indulgence after a long day. Plus, the glaze on top gives them that extra touch of sweetness that makes every bite feel like a special treat. Seriously, you’ve got to try making these!

kentucky butter cake cookies - detail 1

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Get ready to bring some southern charm into your kitchen with these delightful cookies! I’m so excited to share the step-by-step process that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. Let’s dive in!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden color and soft texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re evenly mixed. This will help ensure that the leavening agent is distributed uniformly, so your cookies rise beautifully. Don’t rush this step; a well-mixed dry ingredient base is key!

Cream the Butters and Sugars

In another larger bowl, grab that 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and cream it together with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. You want to beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture. So don’t rush it; enjoy the process!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. You want to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated, which helps bind everything together for that perfect cookie consistency!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time to gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Alternate adding the flour mixture with 1/4 cup of milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and buttery!

Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie—about 2 inches apart—because they’ll spread a bit while baking. This will help them bake evenly and give you those lovely, soft centers!

Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when they look set but still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool!

Prepare the Glaze

While the cookies are baking, let’s make that delicious glaze! In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk until smooth. If you want it a bit thinner, just add a splash more milk until you reach the desired consistency. It should be pourable but not too runny!

Drizzle the Glaze

Once your cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle that glorious glaze over the warm cookies. I love using a spoon for this, but you could also use a piping bag for a more polished look. The warmth of the cookies helps the glaze soak in just a little, making each bite an absolute delight!

And there you have it! You’re now ready to enjoy these scrumptious Kentucky butter cake cookies. Just wait until you taste the soft, buttery goodness with that sweet glaze—pure bliss!

Tips for Success with Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Before you dive into baking these delightful cookies, I’ve got some tips that’ll elevate your cookie game and make the process even smoother. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help you achieve cookie perfection!

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent the cookies from sticking. This way, you can enjoy every single cookie without any crumbs left behind on the pan!
Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 12-minute mark. You want those edges lightly golden with soft centers. If they look too golden, you might have missed that sweet spot!
Adjust the Glaze: The glaze is such a beautiful addition, but feel free to tweak it to your liking. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. Want it sweeter? Just drizzle away! It’s all about finding that perfect balance for your taste buds.
Let Them Cool: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without falling apart, giving you that perfect soft texture.
Storing Leftovers: If you somehow have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days—if they last that long!
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to make these cookies your own! Add in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little extra flair. The base recipe is super versatile!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up the most delicious Kentucky butter cake cookies! Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Kentucky butter cake cookies, let’s have some fun with variations! Trust me, there are so many ways to mix things up and make these cookies even more delightful. Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:

Nuts Galore: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness. Just about 1/2 cup will do the trick!
Chocolate Chip Delight: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, decadent treat. The melty chocolate combined with the soft cookie is simply irresistible!
Cocoa Twist: For a chocolatey version of these cookies, replace 1/4 cup of the flour with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. You’ll get a rich, dark cookie that’s just as soft and buttery!
Fruit Infusion: Add some dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries to the mix for a sweet and tart flavor explosion. They add both color and a fun chewy texture!
Spice It Up: For a cozy twist, sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Just a teaspoon will add a warm flavor that makes these cookies perfect for any season.
Flavor Extracts: Try swapping out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract. Each will give your cookies a unique flavor profile that’s just as delicious!
Glaze Variations: You can also experiment with the glaze! Add a hint of lemon or almond extract to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor, or even mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze!

These variations will keep your Kentucky butter cake cookies exciting and fresh every time you bake them! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own. Enjoy experimenting, and happy baking!

Nutritional Information for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these scrumptious Kentucky butter cake cookies! Just a quick note before we dive in: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind. But here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per cookie:

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g

With these cookies, you’re getting a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while still being a reasonable indulgence. Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every buttery bite! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve baked up a batch of those heavenly Kentucky butter cake cookies and you’re probably wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Storing these cookies properly is key to maintaining their soft, buttery texture.

First off, once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them from drying out and ensures they stay deliciously soft. You can also layer them with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent them from sticking together. If you’re like me and tend to bake in batches, you might want to consider freezing some for later!

To freeze, simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze them for a couple of hours until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull them out whenever the craving strikes! They’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend popping them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help revive that soft texture and warm them up just right. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy!

And that’s all there is to it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Kentucky butter cake cookies for days to come. Happy snacking!

FAQ about Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Got questions about these delightful Kentucky butter cake cookies? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my tried-and-true tips to help you make the most of this recipe.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

If stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!

Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt a bit. For the sugars, you can use all granulated sugar if you don’t have brown sugar on hand, but the brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor. And if you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend!

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?

No problem! You can make a simple glaze using granulated sugar. Just blend it in a food processor until it’s a fine powder. You could also skip the glaze entirely and sprinkle the cookies with some coarse sugar before baking for a little extra sparkle!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The dough can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking. You can even freeze the dough for later use—just scoop into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking soda and vanilla, are also gluten-free, and you’ll be good to go!

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Just remember to adjust the flour slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients to maintain that perfect cookie texture!

I hope these FAQs clear up any questions you might have about making your Kentucky butter cake cookies! Enjoy every buttery bite and happy baking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.