Introduction
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional Kentucky Butter Cake with the convenient, bite-sized format of cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and impossibly irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. With their buttery texture and sweet glaze, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Butter: 1 cup (unsalted, softened)
Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups
Eggs: 2 large
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon
All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¾ cups
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Milk: ½ cup
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (for glaze)
Milk: 2 tablespoons (for glaze)
Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon (for glaze)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking the cookies.
Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Fold in Buttermilk
Stir in 1/2 cup buttermilk until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will add moisture and richness to the cookies.
Form Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops of each cookie while they are still warm for better absorption.
Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool entirely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack for serving or storage.
Notes
Storage Recommendations
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness.
Substitutions
You can substitute the buttermilk with sour cream or plain yogurt if needed, as both will yield similar moisture content.
Flavor Variations
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for different flavor variations.
Freezing Instructions
Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Cook techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
This technique involves beating softened butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, helping to create a tender texture in the finished cookies.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
When adding flour and other dry ingredients to the butter mixture, do so gradually. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the cookie dough before baking can enhance the flavors and improve the texture. It also helps in controlling the spread of the cookies as they bake.
Baking at the Right Temperature
Baking cookies at the appropriate temperature is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Make sure your oven is preheated and accurate to ensure even baking.
Testing for Doneness
Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the middle but still soft to the touch.
FAQ
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
While you can use margarine as a substitute, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies slightly.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, adding mix-ins can elevate the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just ensure not to add too many to maintain the right balance.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it for a bit longer or add a small amount of flour until you achieve the desired consistency.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance, chill it, and then bake the cookies when you’re ready.
Conclusion
The Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines soft, buttery goodness with a sweet glaze, making them absolutely irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, dessert trays, or just a special snack at home, these cookies encapsulate the essence of comfort food with every bite. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor profile will surely make them a favorite among family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
Add a classic twist with these sweet and fragrant cookies that pair well with the buttery flavors of the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies.
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
For a nutty variation, these cookies bring a rich, deep flavor that complements the soft texture of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies.
Lemon Glazed Cookies
Introduce a zesty element with these lemon cookies, balancing the sweetness of the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies perfectly.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Enjoy a beloved classic alongside the buttery richness, creating a perfect cookie platter that caters to diverse tastes.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Celebrate the fall season with these spiced cookies that can provide a seasonal twist to the buttery flavor of the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies.
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