Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies inspired by the classic Southern Kentucky Butter Cake, finished with a rich vanilla-butter glaze for a tender, nostalgic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet. For thicker cookies chill dough 20 minutes before baking if desired.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are just golden and centers remain soft. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack.
- While cookies are warm, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Brush or drizzle the glaze over the warm cookies so it soaks into cracks.
- Allow glaze to set for several minutes on a cooling rack, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use real butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent excessive spreading.
- Adjust milk in the glaze 1 teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Cookies can be frozen baked or as dough balls; add 2 minutes to bake time if baking from frozen dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg