Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Introduction

If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, then you’ll love these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. Inspired by the classic Southern dessert, this recipe takes all the delicious flavors of a Kentucky Butter Cake and transforms them into bite-sized cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat. Get ready to indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these delectable cookies!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 4: Shaping the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The cookies will still be soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Preparing the Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Glazing the Cookies

Brush the glaze over the cooled cookies, allowing it to soak in and set. You can also dip the cookies into the glaze for a thicker coating. Let the glaze harden completely before serving.

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to add some extra flavor to your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies:

• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist.
• Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a crunchy texture.
• Drizzle some melted chocolate over the glazed cookies for a decadent touch.

Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter will cream better with the sugar and result in a lighter texture.
• Chilling the dough is essential for these cookies. It helps them retain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t skip the glaze! It adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that captures all the flavors of a classic Southern dessert in bite-sized form. These buttery cookies are perfect for any occasion and will satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible taste of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies!

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.

Q: Can I make the glaze without vanilla extract?

A: Yes, you can omit the vanilla extract from the glaze if you prefer. However, the vanilla adds a nice flavor and aroma to the cookies.