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Kentucky buttercake cookies

The rich, buttery flavor of a traditional Kentucky Butter Cake is inherently comforting, and these cookies perfectly capture that decadent experience in a portable package. Imagine bite-sized pockets of sweetness that go well with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or just as a decadent post-dinner treat.
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Course: Baking, Dessert, Snack, Treat
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Butter Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
  8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the butter glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven. While they are still warm, generously brush each cookie with the butter glaze, allowing it to soak in slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Enjoy!