Kentucky Butter Cake, but in soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie form, drenched in that famous buttery glaze. Here’s a clear, detailed, step-by-step recipe that’s bakery-quality but very doable at home.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Soft, buttery cookies with a rich butter glaze
Makes about 24–30 cookies
INGREDIENTS
Cookie Dough
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¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp butter extract (optional but authentic)
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
Butter Glaze
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¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
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⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
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2 tbsp water
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp butter extract (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
COOKIE DOUGH
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
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In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
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Beat 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
👉 This creates soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg & Flavoring
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Beat in egg until fully incorporated.
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Mix in vanilla and butter extract.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
Step 5: Combine
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Add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
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Mix just until combined.
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Dough will be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Scoop & Shape
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Scoop 1½-tablespoon portions.
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Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart.
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Slightly flatten tops with your fingers.
Step 7: Bake
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Bake 10–12 minutes.
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Edges should be set but centers pale and soft.
⚠️ Do NOT overbake—these should stay light in color.
BUTTER GLAZE
Step 8: Make the Glaze
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
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Butter
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Sugar
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Water
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Bring to a gentle boil, stirring.
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Boil 1 minute, then remove from heat.
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Stir in vanilla and butter extract.
FINISHING
Step 9: Glaze the Cookies
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While cookies are still warm, spoon glaze over each cookie.
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Let glaze soak in (it will look like a lot—trust the process).
Step 10: Cool & Set
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Allow cookies to cool completely.
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Glaze will set slightly but remain buttery and glossy.
SERVING & STORAGE
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Best the same day, but excellent up to 3 days
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Store airtight at room temperature
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Freeze unglazed cookies up to 2 months
PRO TIPS
✔ Use real butter only (no substitutes)
✔ Butter extract boosts flavor but isn’t required
✔ For extra indulgence, double-glaze 😏