Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *Kentucky butter cake cookies*! They are an absolute dream—rich, buttery, and bursting with sweet vanilla flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth, and they remind me of the warm, inviting kitchens of my childhood, where the scent of freshly baked cookies filled the air and made everyone feel at home. I remember the first time I made these with my grandma; we’d spend the afternoon baking together, laughing and sneaking bites of the dough. It’s a tradition I cherish, and now I can’t wait to share this comforting recipe with you! Trust me, once you start baking these cookies, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one.
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start mixing!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Trust me, having these ingredients on hand will set you up for cookie success! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Ready to dive into baking these heavenly cookies? Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of Kentucky butter cake cookies that will impress everyone.
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color we all crave. Trust me, a properly preheated oven makes all the difference!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will give your cookies that perfect rise. No clumps allowed!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, let’s cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do the trick. You want it to be airy and pale in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, leading to that melt-in-your-mouth texture we love!
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Now, crack in those 2 large eggs and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a smooth and creamy mixture—this is where the magic begins!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/4 cup of milk. Start by adding a third of the dry mixture, then pour in a little milk, and repeat until everything is combined. Mixing thoroughly at this stage ensures your cookies will be tender and delicious.
Shape and Bake Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look set. Keep an eye on them—once you smell that buttery aroma, you know they’re close!
Cooling and Glazing
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step is key to avoiding any soggy bottoms! After they’ve cooled completely, you can glaze them if you like—just mix some powdered sugar with a bit of milk and drizzle it over the top for that extra sweet touch!
Why You’ll Love These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious!
- Rich and buttery flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in.
- Great texture and appearance—soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges. They look as good as they taste!
Seriously, these cookies check all the boxes. You won’t be able to resist sharing them (or maybe not!). Enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your Kentucky butter cake cookies turn out absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips that I always swear by!
- Measure Carefully: It’s super important to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so use the spoon-and-level method: fluff up the flour in the container, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help your cookies maintain their shape while baking. It can also enhance the flavor—win-win!
- Baking Time for Larger Cookies: If you decide to make bigger cookies, just keep in mind that they’ll need a little extra time in the oven. Start checking them at the original baking time, but be prepared to add a few more minutes until they’re golden around the edges.
- Use a Cooling Rack: After baking, transfer your cookies to a cooling rack instead of letting them cool on the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around them and prevents any sogginess, keeping those edges crisp and delightful!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They might look a tad underbaked when you pull them out, but they’ll continue to firm up while cooling. You want them soft and chewy, not rock hard!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a Kentucky butter cake cookie pro in no time. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of Kentucky butter cake cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps them stay soft and buttery for about 5 days. Don’t worry if they start to get a little hard; just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that delightful softness!
If you want to keep your cookies for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature or heat them up in the microwave for a quick treat. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm cookie right out of the microwave!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re curious about what’s in these scrumptious Kentucky butter cake cookies! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
This is just an estimate based on typical values, but it’s a nice little guide to keep in mind while you’re indulging! Enjoy these cookies guilt-free, and remember that a little treat every now and then is what makes life sweet!
FAQ About Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Got questions about making these delightful Kentucky butter cake cookies? I’m here to help! Here are some common queries I get, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While I recommend all-purpose flour for the best texture, you can experiment with other types like cake flour for a lighter cookie or whole wheat flour for a heartier version. Just keep in mind that different flours can affect the texture, so be prepared for some delicious experimentation!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
No problem! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results. Trust me, they’ll still be wonderfully buttery and tasty!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t fret! Just sprinkle a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This will firm it up and make it easier to scoop and bake!
I hope these answers help you on your cookie-baking journey! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies: 5 Tips for Irresistible Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Kentucky butter cake cookies are rich, buttery, and filled with sweet vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool before glazing.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use a cooling rack for best results.
- Adjust baking time for larger cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: kentucky butter cake cookies
