If you are looking for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings Southern charm right into your kitchen, the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies capture the rich, luscious qualities of classic Kentucky butter cake, transforming them into perfectly sized, tender cookies that are sweet, soft, and slightly crisp around the edges. Each bite offers a tender crumb with a hint of vanilla and the warm nuttiness of pecans if you choose to include them. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, this recipe is straightforward but creates a lovingly decadent cookie that feels like a warm hug from the Bluegrass State.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe is wonderfully simple but crucial for achieving the signature buttery texture and delicate flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the richness of unsalted butter, the sweetness from sugar, or the binding qualities of eggs and flour.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use softened butter to create that tender, fluffy texture in the dough.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the butter’s richness.
- 2 large eggs: These provide moisture and help the cookies hold together perfectly.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure without being dense.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in making the flavors pop.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft, not cakey.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty layer of flavor, but you can skip if you prefer plain.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and lift off easily when they’re done.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This creaming step incorporates air and is essential to create the cookie’s tender texture while ensuring a rich buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the eggs one at a time, and then pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This adds moisture and that irresistible vanilla note that will infuse every bite.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift or add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently, just until the dough comes together. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so a light touch keeps them tender and delicate.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
If you’re opting for a nutty twist, fold in the chopped pecans now. They provide a pleasing crunch and a warm flavor contrast to the soft, buttery cookie base. If you prefer a plain cookie, simply skip this step.
Step 6: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about two inches apart to allow spreading. This spacing helps them bake into perfect little rounds without merging into one giant cookie.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked — they will firm up as they cool, leaving you with a tender cookie every time.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the bottoms don’t become soggy and helps the cookies set perfectly. The wait is the hardest part because the scent alone is irresistible!
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful on their own, you can amp up their appeal with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a mint sprig on the side can brighten the plate and add a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
A warm cup of coffee, rich hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk makes the perfect companion to Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. For a more indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn your cookie moment into a full dessert celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a smear of homemade caramel or cream cheese frosting for an elegant bite. You can also serve the cookies on a festive platter with bowls of chopped nuts and chocolate chips for guests to customize their perfect flavor combination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, retaining their softness and buttery flavor. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them moist longer.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious cookies for later, freezing works wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their signature texture and taste.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to life after freezing or storing, warm them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. This step revives the buttery softness and makes them taste freshly baked. Microwaving for a few seconds also works if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt. This will help you control the overall saltiness so the cookies stay perfectly balanced.
Are pecans necessary in this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe?
Pecans are completely optional. They do add wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the buttery cookie, but the recipe is fantastic on its own without them too.
Can I make this dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, which can even enhance the flavors. Just bring the dough back to room temperature for a few minutes before scooping onto the baking sheet.
How do I keep the cookies soft longer?
Storing the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of fresh bread helps maintain moisture and softness. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out over time.
Can I substitute other nuts or add-ins?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even mini chocolate chips can be folded into the dough for a fun twist. Just keep the amount similar to the pecans so the dough consistency stays the same.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a celebration of Southern comfort and buttery goodness. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just savoring a quiet moment with tea, this recipe offers a simple way to bring a little luxury to your day. Once you try these cookies, they’re bound to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy every delicious crumb!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and buttery Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, featuring a tender crumb and optional crunchy pecans for an extra layer of texture. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine classic cake flavors with the convenience of a cookie form.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined for a well-blended dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive texture.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans if using, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, ensuring they set properly and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and moist inside.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
