Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake is a Southern classic, renowned for its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture. Originating from the heart of Kentucky, this cake has become a beloved staple at family gatherings, celebrations, and holiday feasts. Its cultural significance in Southern cuisine is profound, often associated with warmth, hospitality, and the joy of bringing people together around the table. The cake is typically bathed in a luscious vanilla-butter sauce, which seeps into the warm cake, creating an irresistible moistness that has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of many.

Discover the deliciousness of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, a hand-held twist on the classic Southern cake. These cookies bring the rich, buttery flavors and moist texture of Kentucky Butter Cake into a convenient treat perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and adaptable, they’re ideal for gatherings, snacks, or lunchboxes. With key ingredients like butter, sugar, and buttermilk, every bite offers a taste of tradition and joy. Bake a batch today and savor the delightful flavors!

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Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Combine with Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.

Drop Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Cool and Glaze: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delightful Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite tea!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24 cookies