Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are inspired by the famous Kentucky Butter Cake, known for its rich, buttery flavor and irresistible glaze. These cookies combine the same delicious flavors but in a more portable, bite-sized form! They’re soft, buttery, and have a delightful sweetness.

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added depth of flavor)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk, if preferred)

• For the Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until well combined.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. The dough will be soft but not too sticky.

3. Shape the Cookies:

   • Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can roll the dough into balls for a more uniform shape if desired.

   • Gently flatten the tops of the cookies slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

4. Bake the Cookies:

   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

   • Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

5. Make the Glaze:

   • While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by combining the butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.

   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

6. Glaze the Cookies:

   • Once the cookies are fully cooled, spoon or drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cookies. You can also dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze for a more decadent finish.

   • Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a chewier texture.

• Flavor Variations: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty crunch.

• Glaze: If you want an extra sweet finish, you can double the glaze recipe to coat the cookies more heavily or drizzle extra glaze over the cookies after it sets.

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are rich, buttery, and absolutely delicious. With a soft cookie base and a sweet glaze, they are perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a special treat. Enjoy!