The smell of butter, sugar, and vanilla filling the air in your kitchen is honestly completely magical, isn’t it? I remember when I found this recipe for Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies; It felt like I had stumbled onto something special. These cookies are a lovely combination of a rich buttery cake and soft chewy cookie. They are a little decadent, but feel comforting like a good cuddle after a long day.
So, first, let’s discuss why these cookies will change your life. Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic Southern dessert, known for its moist buttery crumb and sweet glaze. With that said, who has time to make a cake when you just want a sweet treat quickly? Enter these cookies. They are the bite-sized version of Kentucky Butter Cake that is simple to make. These cookies have a soft and tender bite and are simply delicious. They are even more delightful when you drizzle on the buttery glaze.
Cookies like these are one of a kind in that they aren’t pretentious at all. No elaborate methods, no obscure ingredients; just simple, good ingredients. And these cookies are so flexible. If you are baking for a holiday gathering, potluck, or just a relaxing evening, snagging a compliment from these cookies is guaranteed. The best part is they are foolproof. Even if you zone out and don’t measure carefully, you are likely to still have good cookies! And if you are a beginner baker, it’s likely you will have good results the first time, too.
Of course, I can’t speak about these cookies without first speaking about the flavor. These cookies sing with buttery sweetness, hints of vanilla, and a slight tartness, courtesy of the buttermilk. Top these cookies with the buttery glaze, and you are taken to a whole new level of cookie greatness – these cookies are pure bliss! I promise, there is no way that after one batch of these cookies, you will not be enticed to make them again ASAP.
So, are you sold on making these Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies yet? If you are or you are not, let me tell you why you should make them. They are the best of nostalgia and convenience. With each bite, these cookies take you to a Southern kitchen, and they are so simple that you will be wondering why you have not made them earlier! Let’s get into the details of the cookie and get to making them!
Why These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Are So Easy to Make
These cookies are so easy to make, and they are a crowd-pleaser! Let me tell you why. First of all, these cookies are so easy to make! You probably already have the majority of the ingredients at home, and you can get them whipped up quickly! The dough comes together effortlessly, and the cookies will bake in under 15 minutes.
And the flavor is incredible. The ingredients are butter, sugar, buttermilk, and unlike a lot of cookies, very few dry ingredients – as a result they have a moist and tender crumb characteristic of a Kentucky Butter Cake. The glaze, which is made with confectioners’ sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla adds a layer of sweetness and beautiful glossy finish to the cookies.
Another key point to note is these cookies are very versatile. You can add whatever you want such as nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking, or as is! You can enjoy them by themselves, or share it with others, they are suitable for any event, whether it be Christmas, Thanksgiving, Afternoon Tea, or dinner guests!
A Story About My Family’s Love of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
With that, let me tell you a story. Last Christmas, I decided to make these Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies on a whim. I was looking for a new recipe to add to my holiday baking lineup, and these caught my eye. Little did I know, they’d become a family favorite.
My husband, who’s typically more of a savory guy, couldn’t get enough of them. He kept sneaking into the kitchen to grab “just one more.” My kids, who are usually picky about desserts, devoured them in record time. Even my in-laws, who are self-proclaimed cookie connoisseurs, raved about how delicious they were.
Since then, these cookies have become a staple in our household. They’ve made appearances at birthdays, potlucks, and even weekday afternoons when we need a little pick-me-up. They’re the kind of treat that brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic for yourself.
Tips For Making Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Do not over mix the dough : Over mixing may cause the cookies to be tough. An even dough creates a softer cookie.
- Room temperature ingredients : All the ingredients in cookies will mix together better.
Substitutions and variations
- Gluten-free : Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mixture instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free : Use margarine instead of butter and almond milk instead of buttermilk.
- Add-ins : Chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of cinnamon can enhance flavor.
Make it Healthier
For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of butter and reduce the sugar by ¼ cup. You can even use whole wheat flour or a mixture of almond and oat flour for an added nutritional benefit.
Closing For Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Now you know how to create gorgeous Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies! We hope you love them as much as we enjoyed creating this recipe! Let us know how your recipe turns out and if you enjoyed this recipe, take a look at our other recipes for extra helpful baking tips and how-to’s!
Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Description
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. These soft, buttery treats are a delightful twist on the classic cake, with a sweet glaze that adds a perfect finish. Enjoy a taste of Kentucky in every bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
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Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 4408.43kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 201.97g311%
- Saturated Fat 122.96g615%
- Cholesterol 876.85mg293%
- Sodium 2449.07mg103%
- Potassium 682.34mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 619.05g207%
- Dietary Fiber 6.76g28%
- Sugars 425.75g
- Protein 45.19g91%
- Vitamin A 6459.33 IU
- Calcium 563.28 mg
- Iron 14.11 mg
- Vitamin D 7.3 mcg
- Vitamin E 6.57 mg
- Vitamin K 17.39 mcg
- Thiamin 2.09 mg
- Riboflavin 2.1 mg
- Niacin 15.09 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.35 mg
- Folate 517.3 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.99 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 3.45 mg
- Phosphorus 742.66 mg
- Magnesium 88.73 mg
- Zinc 3.87 mg
- Selenium 125.26 mcg
- Copper 0.53 mg
- Manganese 1.78 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
