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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a moist, buttery, and tender southern classic capturing the essence of the famous Kentucky Butter Cake in bite-sized form. These cookies feature a rich buttery flavor, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a touch of sweetness that makes them perfect for any occasion, from cozy afternoons to festive gatherings. Made with simple pantry staples and easily customizable, this recipe brings authentic southern charm right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature and gather your other ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is key to creating a tender, airy texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the classic southern flavor reminiscent of Kentucky Butter Cake.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and puffy.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier blending and fluffier cookies.
  • Don’t overmix the dough; stir dry ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender.
  • Measure flour by spooning and leveling to prevent dense dough.
  • Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers look soft to maintain moisture.
  • Allow cookies to cool a bit on the baking sheet before transferring to keep their shape and texture intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, Southern cookies, buttery cookies, moist cookies, easy cookie recipe, classic southern dessert, homemade cookies