These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies melt in your mouth! Soft, buttery, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, they bring all the cozy flavors of the classic cake into a bite-sized treat.
If you love the flavors of a traditional Kentucky Butter Cake but want a treat that is easy to eat, then these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are just for you! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. With a sweet vanilla glaze on top, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cake. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a cozy day at home. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. First, they capture the rich, buttery flavor of the classic cake, but in a convenient cookie form. Each bite is soft and tender, making them irresistible. Second, the sweet vanilla glaze adds a delightful touch that makes these cookies extra special. Lastly, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet treat for yourself. You can even freeze them to enjoy later!
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Making Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is simple and fun. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Below, you will find a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create these mouthwatering treats.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and runny.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes on the baking sheet, transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cookies to let it set nicely.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Then, enjoy these delightful treats with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
- With Beverages: Pair these cookies with your favorite drink. They taste great with milk, tea, or coffee.
- At Dessert Tables: Include them on a dessert table for parties. Their beautiful glaze gives them an appealing look.
- With Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
- As Gifts: Package them in a lovely box or jar to give as gifts to friends and family.
How to Store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
To keep your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Here are some details on storage:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, you can keep them at room temperature for up to one week.
- In the Refrigerator: Place the cookies in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies! Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag and enjoy them for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Preparing Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. This will help create a light and fluffy batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to add more or less milk to the glaze, depending on how thick or runny you want it to be.
- Customize Your Flavors: If you want to add a twist, try adding some lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Variation (If Applicable)
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it! Here are some variations you can try:
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a rich and sweet contrast to the buttery cookie.
- Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity addition.
- Different Glaze Flavors: Change the glaze by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a drop of almond extract for a different taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as substitutes, but keep in mind that the texture may vary. - What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. - Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the cookies based on your preference. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller cookies will bake quicker, and larger cookies may take a bit longer.
This recipe for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is sure to become a favorite in your home. With its soft texture, rich flavors, and sweet glaze, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or saved for a special moment, they are comforting and delicious. Happy baking!