Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Kentucky butter cake cookies! If you’ve ever had a slice of that classic Southern butter cake, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. These cookies pack all that rich, buttery flavor into a delightful little bite that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and I could barely keep my family’s hands off them! It’s like magic how something so simple can bring so much joy. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just need a sweet pick-me-up after a long day. Trust me, once you try these Kentucky butter cake cookies, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious Kentucky butter cake cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the star of the show, lending a rich and creamy texture to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness that balances the buttery flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: This adds a lovely depth and chewiness to each cookie.
- 4 large eggs: They help bind everything together and give the cookies a beautiful lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie dough, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives our cookies a little rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and ensuring a soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang for that classic cake-like flavor.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to whip up a batch of cookies that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Alright, let’s get those Kentucky butter cake cookies baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, buttery goodness in no time:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—trust me, it’s worth it!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want to make sure everything is well combined and airy.
- Now, stir in the vanilla extract. Ah, that aroma is heavenly!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture—this helps maintain that lovely texture.
- Once everything is mixed to a soft dough, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space to spread out!
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Finally, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
And there you have it! Simple steps that lead to delicious cookies—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Quick Preparation: These cookies come together in just about 35 minutes from start to finish, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
- Delicious Flavor: With their rich, buttery taste and a hint of vanilla, every bite feels like a little piece of heaven.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a fun twist!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for a quick snack or dessert later on.
Once you try these Kentucky butter cake cookies, I promise you’ll be coming back for more, and maybe even sharing the recipe with friends!
Tips for Success with Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
To ensure your Kentucky butter cake cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips from my own baking adventures:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They’re done when the edges are golden, and the centers look slightly soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Cool Properly: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps maintain their shape and texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a Kentucky butter cake cookie pro in no time! Happy baking!
Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
One of the best things about Kentucky butter cake cookies is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich and gooey twist. Who doesn’t love chocolate, right?
- Nutty Goodness: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and a touch of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor.
- Fruit-Infused: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture that brightens every bite.
- Citrus Zing: Try adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the richness of the cookies.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm flavor that’s perfect for the fall season.
Get creative and have fun with these variations—each one brings a new twist to these already delicious cookies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Once you’ve made these delightful Kentucky butter cake cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long, that is!
If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out however many you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm cookie fresh from the microwave!
Nutritional Information for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
When it comes to the nutritional content of these Kentucky butter cake cookies, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Generally, each cookie contains around 150 calories, 12g of sugar, and 7g of fat. However, these figures are just estimates, so if you’re tracking nutrition closely, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!
FAQ about Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Got questions about these delightful Kentucky butter cake cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just omit the added salt in the recipe, as salted butter already contains some. It’ll still turn out delicious!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges will be golden brown, and the centers should look slightly soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked when you take them out!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed. Fresh cookies in a snap!
What if I want to add chocolate chips?
Go for it! Just fold in about a cup of your favorite chocolate chips when mixing the dough. They’ll melt slightly and add a delightful richness to the cookies.
Can I substitute buttermilk if I don’t have any?
Sure! You can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. Just let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the mix. Easy peasy!
With these answers, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm with your Kentucky butter cake cookies! Enjoy every moment of it!
Print
Kentucky butter cake cookies that will warm your heart
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Kentucky butter cake cookies with a rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: kentucky butter cake cookies, cookies, dessert, baking