Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

The Fluffiest Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe Ever

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries flood back when you whip up this Kentucky butter cake cookies delight.

Nostalgic aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Soft, pillowy textures melt against your tongue with rich buttery notes.

Grandmothers across the southern states have perfected this classic treat for generations.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a magical contrast that beckons dessert lovers.

Simple ingredients blend into an irresistible confection that sparks joy.

Bake these cookies and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies: What Makes Them Blissful

  • These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Enjoy these cookies as a cozy afternoon snack, after-dinner dessert, or a delightful addition to any celebration with friends and family.
  • Experience the rich, buttery goodness that melts in your mouth, delivering a classic Southern-inspired taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients List for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Butter: Ensures rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown caramelization of the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's soft consistency.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the buttery base of the cookies.

Step-by-Step to Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even coverage and easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume.

This process should take approximately 3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing completely after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in tough cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop uniform portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space the cookies slightly apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges as an indicator of doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Transfer to wire cooling racks to complete cooling.

Serve and savor the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

  • Pull out butter, eggs, and other ingredients 30-60 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to prevent tough, dense cookies that lack tenderness.
  • Use an oven thermometer to confirm precise 350F temperature, preventing underbaked or overbaked cookies.
  • Employ a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and professional-looking results.
  • Let cookies cool entirely on wire racks to maintain crisp edges and prevent moisture buildup during storage.

Store and Reheat 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, maintaining their soft texture and rich butter flavor.
  • Seal cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delightful taste and crumbly consistency.
  • Place cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Enjoy within 3 days at room temperature, keeping them at their peak deliciousness.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their fresh-baked warmth and softness.

Sweet Pairings for Butter Cake Cookies

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Latte: The smooth, rich coffee complements the butter cake cookies' sweet, buttery flavor with its velvety espresso notes.
  • Combine with Caramel Pecan Ice Cream: The nutty crunch and sweet caramel swirls enhance the cookies' soft texture and buttery essence, creating a delightful dessert experience.
  • Serve alongside Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream: The warm, spirited undertones of maple and bourbon perfectly accentuate the cookies' Kentucky-inspired richness and provide a luxurious dipping companion.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: The deep chocolate warmth and salty-sweet caramel balance the cookies' delicate sweetness, offering a comforting and indulgent pairing.
  • Gluten-Free Butter Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Butter Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose plant-based vanilla extract.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly cookie.
  • Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Are Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?

Yes, they’re richer and more dense with a cake-like texture, inspired by the classic Kentucky butter cake, featuring a more buttery and indulgent flavor profile.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking, which helps enhance the flavors and makes prep easier.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed – just standard mixing bowls, a whisk, baking sheets, and a standard oven will work perfectly for creating these delicious cookies.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. They should be set but not hard, which typically takes 10-12 minutes in a 350F oven.

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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent Kentucky butter cake cookies melt with rich, buttery goodness from Southern baking traditions. Creamy glazed treats promise delightful comfort that brings sweet memories to your dessert table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  2. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until achieving a light, airy texture with a pale color, approximately 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth consistency.
  4. Gently fold in vanilla extract, providing a rich aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
  5. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Use a tablespoon to drop uniform cookie portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining consistent spacing between each cookie.
  7. Slide the baking sheets into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
  8. Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to stabilize their structure.
  9. Transfer the cookies to wire cooling racks, permitting them to cool completely and develop their signature buttery texture.

Notes

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs to prevent ingredient separation and ensure even mixing.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 133
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 58 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 36 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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