If you’re looking for a magical treat that captures the spirit of Southern hospitality in cookie form, Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies might just become your new favorite obsession. These cookies take all the rich, buttery goodness of the classic Kentucky butter cake and translate it into soft, tender cookies crowned with a glistening, vanilla-infused glaze. Each bite melts in your mouth with notes of vanilla and a hint of that signature sugary crunch. They’re just as perfect for sharing at a festive gathering as they are for sneaking with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. Trust me, you’ve never had cookies quite like these!

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each component plays a starring role in achieving the cookies’ signature texture, flavor, and irresistible golden color. Gather these pantry staples and you’re halfway to cookie bliss!

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich flavor and gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup for cookies, 1/2 cup for glaze): Sweetens the dough and later forms the crisp, sparkling glaze on top.
Large Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds a subtle richness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon for cookies, 1 teaspoon for glaze): Adds warm, aromatic flavor throughout both the dough and the glaze.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The structural backbone that keeps the cookies tender but not too cakey.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the cookies ever so slightly, keeping them light and soft.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.
Butter for Glaze (1/3 cup): Makes the glaze extra luscious and rich.
Water (1 tablespoon, for glaze): Helps melt the sugar smoothly into the glaze.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick when you’re ready to lift them off—no surprises, just perfectly baked treats!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is key for that ultra-tender crumb. Don’t skimp on this step—it’s where the cookies start to get their signature texture!

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat again until the mixture is creamy and totally combined. The vanilla infuses every bite with rich, aromatic flavor, while the egg brings it all together.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and keeps your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies soft yet structured, never tough.

Step 5: Create the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. At this point, the dough should be supple and easy to handle, not crumbly or sticky.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and gently flatten each one with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes; look for set edges and lightly golden bottoms—don’t overbake! Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Butter Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, melt together the glaze ingredients—butter, sugar, and water—in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves into a glossy syrup, then take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the real Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies magic happens!

Step 8: Glaze the Cookies

While the cookies are still warm (but not piping hot), brush each one generously with the butter glaze. The warm cookies eagerly soak up the glaze, making every bite gooey and decadent. For a gorgeous finishing touch, sprinkle with a little extra sugar while the glaze is still tacky—if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Garnishes

For that signature Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies sparkle, dust the glazed cookies with a bit of granulated sugar just before the glaze sets. You can also add a light shower of powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or top with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the butter flavor. A drizzle of white chocolate also looks stunning if you want to dress them up even more for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but they make a knockout companion to a cup of strong coffee, hot tea, or cold milk. For a fun Southern-inspired dessert spread, pair with fresh berries, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or a serving of caramel sauce for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies on a pretty cake stand for a bakery-style display, or bundle a few into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet edible gifts. They also look gorgeous stacked in a rustic wood box or tiered platter at brunches, picnics, or potlucks—no one can resist reaching for just one more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and the glaze has set, store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days—if they last that long! Stack them with parchment paper between layers to keep the glaze pristine and prevent sticking.

Freezing

If you want to extend their life, freeze the unglazed cookies in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and brush on the freshly made glaze for that just-baked appeal. You can also freeze already glazed cookies, though the texture of the glaze may change ever so slightly.

Reheating

To refresh firm cookies or bring back a little of that warm-from-the-oven magic, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. If you’ve stored or frozen them without glaze, reheat first, then glaze while still slightly warm so the sugary coating soaks in beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies recipe—just reduce the added salt by half to balance the flavors. This little tweak won’t compromise the signature rich, buttery profile.

What’s the secret to getting the glaze just right?

The key is to apply the glaze while the cookies are still warm but not too hot. If the cookies are too hot, the glaze might slide off; if too cool, it won’t soak in. A good in-between ensures that perfect, slightly crunchy, glistening top.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a big hit at gatherings, so doubling the ingredients is a great way to ensure everyone gets their share. If you do, just bake in batches so the cookies aren’t crowded on the sheet.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this dough, making these cookies wonderfully quick and easy to make. The dough is easy to shape right after mixing, leading to swift and satisfying cookies in just under half an hour.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results, and watch the baking time, as gluten-free dough sometimes bakes up a bit faster.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—the soft, buttery middles, the crackly glaze, that hint of vanilla that makes every bite special. If you’re craving a dessert that wows with both simplicity and Southern charm, it’s time to try these cookies. Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and spoil yourself and your loved ones with this unforgettable recipe!