Here’s a detailed recipe for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with step-by-step directions. These are soft, buttery, and rich cookies inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Yields: About 24–30 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Cooling/soaking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup milk (optional, for softer dough)
For the Butter Sauce (like the original butter cake glaze):
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough seems too stiff, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a soft, scoopable consistency.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
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Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Butter Sauce
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While cookies are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Stir in brown sugar and cream, and cook until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
4. Glaze the Cookies
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While the cookies are still slightly warm, drizzle or brush the butter sauce generously over each cookie.
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Let the cookies absorb the sauce for 10–15 minutes. This makes them extra moist, rich, and buttery—just like the original Kentucky Butter Cake.
5. Serve
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Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
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Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
These cookies are basically mini butter cakes, with that sweet, sticky buttery glaze that makes them irresistible.