Butter Cake Cookies (Kentucky)

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, delivering a burst of buttery sweetness in a cookie format. These cookies are soft, chewy and topped with a rich glaze that elevates them to a mouthwatering treat perfect for any occasion.

Cookies:
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. sea salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached

Glaze:
¼ cup butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Garnish:
confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Set aside.

Make the Cookies:
In the bowl of the stand mixer beat butter and sugar together for 1 minute until mixed. Add in eggs and vanilla and mix until incorporated, scraping sides as necessary.

Add in baking powder and salt, continuing to mix and finally the flour. Mix until dough just comes together.

Using a medium (2 Tbsp.) cookie scoop drop the dough onto the lined baking sheet. Alternately you can roll the dough into balls if you want a thicker cookie.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Don’t over-bake.

Make the Glaze:
While the cookies are baking combine all ingredients into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.

Allow the glaze to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) to thicken.

When the cookies are done spoon one teaspoon of the glaze onto each cookie while they’re warm. If the glaze gets too thick just heat it up a bit more.

Dust with powdered sugar after the glaze has set if desired.

Makes 24 cookies.

Cook's Notes:

• For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavour.
• If you prefer, you can substitute a yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavour profile.
• Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixed into the dough to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with a hot cup of coffee/tea or a glass of cold milk for a delightful afternoon snack.
• They also make an excellent dessert option for parties or gatherings; stack them on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
• Consider pairing them with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.