Introduction

These Mouthwatering Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies offer a perfectly soft texture combined with a rich, buttery glaze that melts in your mouth. Inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, this cookie version is easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

The image shows close-up views of soft, round sugar cookies with a cracked surface texture. Each cookie has a light beige color with sparkling large sugar crystals sprinkled on top and around the edges, giving them a slightly rough texture. Some of the cookies have a thin, shiny layer of light icing drizzled on top, adding a glossy contrast to the matte crumbly texture. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface, and the focus is on the front cookies, showing detailed cracks and sugar crystals while the background cookies are blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (310 g / 11 oz) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) powdered sugar
1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp butter extract (optional, for extra buttery flavor)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter (for glaze)
¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar (for glaze)
¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) water (for glaze)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies release easily.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using) until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to form a smooth dough without overmixing.
Step 5: Shape the dough into uniform balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingertips or a smooth utensil to form even discs.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Let them rest briefly on the baking sheets before transferring to cooling racks.
Step 7: While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the granulated sugar and water until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
Step 8: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, brush or drizzle the glaze over their surfaces, letting it soak in. For extra moisture and sweetness, apply a second layer of glaze if desired.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool completely so the glaze sets into a delicate, shiny finish. Serve and enjoy the rich, buttery flavor inspired by Kentucky tradition.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper buttery flavor, use the optional butter extract along with the vanilla extract in both the dough and glaze.
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the granulated sugar in the glaze by a quarter.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle warm spice twist.
Use room temperature butter to ensure the dough creams properly for a light texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh the glaze’s softness, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw completely before glazing or adding an extra glaze layer.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows eight round sugar cookies on a light tan baking paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a cracked top layer, with a slightly rough texture from coarse sugar grains around the edges. The cookies are pale golden in color, and some have light, glossy yellowish drizzle spots on top. They are arranged in a loose grid pattern, closely touching each other. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure.

What is the purpose of the glaze on these cookies?

The glaze adds a sweet, buttery layer that seeps into the warm cookies, enhancing their moisture and richness while giving them a glossy, appealing finish.