If you’ve ever savored the iconic Kentucky Butter Cake, you know it’s a moist, buttery pound cake infused with a rich glaze that soaks into every bite. Now imagine all that decadent flavor wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies deliver—a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines Southern tradition with bite-sized convenience.
These cookies are sweet, tender, and irresistibly buttery, topped with a sugar glaze that gives them the same caramelized richness as the cake. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave a nostalgic, comforting dessert, they’re proof that sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages.
What Makes Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Special?
- Buttery Goodness: Every bite is packed with the rich, creamy flavor of butter.
- Glazed Finish: A sweet glaze drizzled over the top seeps into the cookies, making them ultra-moist and flavorful.
- Portable and Shareable: Unlike a whole cake, these cookies are easy to portion, pack, and gift.
- Southern Charm: They’re inspired by one of Kentucky’s most beloved desserts, offering a true taste of tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep and Bake Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Glazing and Cooling: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until a smooth dough forms.
Step 4: Bake Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Step 6: Glaze the Cookies
While the cookies are still warm, brush or drizzle the glaze over the tops. Allow them to cool completely so the glaze sets into a shiny, sweet finish.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
These cookies are indulgent, but portion-friendly—ideal for satisfying a sweet tooth without overindulging.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
- Classic Southern Style: Arrange glazed cookies on a vintage platter and dust with powdered sugar for a nostalgic look.
- Gift-Worthy Treats: Stack cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon—perfect for holidays or hostess gifts.
- Elegant Dessert Board: Serve alongside fresh berries, lemon bars, and chocolate truffles for a varied sweets platter.
- Warm Indulgence: Microwave a cookie for a few seconds and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Variations to Try
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing note.
- Almond Bliss: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Glaze: Stir a pinch of cinnamon into the glaze for a warm spice touch.
- Mini Bundts: Use the same dough and bake in mini Bundt pans for an even closer nod to the original cake.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft and tender—remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set.
- Glaze While Warm: Brushing the glaze on warm cookies helps it seep in for maximum flavor.
- Use Real Butter: Margarine won’t deliver the same rich, authentic taste.
- Make Ahead: Bake and glaze the cookies a day before serving—they stay moist and flavorful for several days.
Why These Cookies Belong in Your Recipe Box
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring together the nostalgia of a classic cake with the convenience of cookies. They’re buttery, moist, and glazed to perfection—ideal for both casual gatherings and special celebrations. Best of all, they’re easy to make, meaning you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s comforting, flavorful, and rooted in Southern tradition, Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are an excellent choice. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake yet impressive enough for holidays and parties. With their golden, glazed tops and buttery centers, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Bake a batch, pour yourself a cup of coffee or sweet tea, and enjoy a taste of Kentucky hospitality in every bite.