Meta Description: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet. Learn step-by-step how to make these irresistible treats at home.

When it comes to comfort baking, nothing quite hits the spot like a soft, buttery cookie that practically melts in your mouth. I’m talking about Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—a true Southern classic that has a way of making everyone at the table smile. Trust me, I’ve made these plenty of times for family gatherings and summer BBQs, and they disappear faster than you can say “pass me another one!”

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. With a handful of basic ingredients—unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, a dash of vanilla, and a sprinkle of magic in the form of buttermilk—you can create cookies that are rich, soft, and just the right level of sweet. Add a buttery glaze on top, and you’ve got a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from lazy Sunday afternoons to holiday celebrations.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lineup to get your baking adventure started:

Cookie Dough:

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

Butter Glaze:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water

If you’re curious about other buttery, rich desserts, you might love this Lemon Cream Cake Recipe — it’s fluffy, tangy, and perfect with a cup of coffee.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I like using my stand mixer here—makes life so much easier—but a hand mixer works too.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. I’ll admit, the smell at this point is already making my kitchen feel like heaven.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until incorporated. Don’t overmix—you want these cookies soft, not tough.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. They’ll spread a little while baking, so give them room.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake! The magic of these cookies is in their soft, tender center.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the butter glaze. Whisk together melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth. This is where they get that signature glossy, buttery finish.
Remove the cookies from the oven and, while still warm, generously brush them with the butter glaze. I like using a pastry brush so every nook and cranny gets coated.
Let the glazed cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be careful—they’re tempting right out of the oven!

Tips & Variations for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Softest Cookies Ever: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It helps the cookies stay plump and soft.
Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla for a subtle nutty flavor.
Glaze Variation: Swap the water in the butter glaze for milk or cream for a richer taste.
Cookie Size: Want giant cookies? Use 3 tablespoons of dough each, but bake a minute or two longer.

If you’re a fan of melt-in-your-mouth desserts, you should check out this Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake — it’s got a similar soft texture but with a fruity twist.

FAQ – Your Baking Questions Answered

Q: Can I freeze these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies?
A: Absolutely! After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature and brush a fresh layer of butter glaze if desired.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: No worries. You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use. I do this all the time when I’m running low!

Storage for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Store your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they start to lose a bit of their soft texture, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings them back to fresh-baked glory.

For longer storage, freeze the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies as mentioned above. The butter glaze may soften when thawed, but the taste remains incredible, keeping every bite just as delicious as the day you baked them.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies (depending on size)

Tools Used

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Pastry brush (for glaze)
Wire cooling rack

More Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Fun

Another fun twist: sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the glaze. It balances the sweetness perfectly. Last summer, I made a batch for my buddies at a BBQ, added just a hint of salt, and they were gone in minutes.

If you love buttery cookies, don’t miss these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs — savory instead of sweet, but packed with the same rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies is more than just baking—it’s about creating little moments of joy for yourself and others. Each bite is soft, buttery, and sweet, with that gorgeous glaze that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Whether it’s a simple weekday treat or a dessert for a special occasion, these cookies never fail to impress.

For more cookie inspiration and tips from professional bakers, you can check out Delish.

Now, grab your apron and get baking. Trust me… once you try these, you’ll be hooked for life!

TINSUF RECIPES

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a glossy butter glaze. Perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 30

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

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
Butter Glaze:
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water

Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups & spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper/silicone mat, pastry brush, wire cooling rack

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time; stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into wet mixture.
Drop tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart onto baking sheet.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges lightly golden.
Mix butter glaze ingredients until smooth.
Brush glaze onto warm cookies.
Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.