Introduction
If you’ve ever tasted a classic Kentucky Butter Cake, you know it’s all about that rich, buttery flavor with a delicate crumb and a hint of tang from buttermilk. Now imagine all that goodness wrapped into a soft, golden cookie. That’s exactly what you get with these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—a delightful cross between a cake and a cookie that’s ideal for sharing, gifting, or savoring slowly with a warm cup of tea.
Like their cake inspiration, these cookies are all about old-fashioned flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They bake up golden and tender with just the right amount of crisp on the edges and a fluffy, buttery center. And if you’re into variety on your cookie tray, pair them with colorful treats like Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies or bold Brownie Bombs.
Why I Love This Recipe
What sets these cookies apart is the buttermilk. It gives them that signature Southern tang and keeps the texture unbelievably soft—just like the moist crumb of the original cake. They’re a little nostalgic, a little indulgent, and a whole lot of delicious.
Plus, they’re easy to customize with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, and they freeze like a dream. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a picnic, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will always feel like home.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
🧁 Swaps and Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit 5 minutes before using.
- Nuts: Pecans are traditional, but chopped walnuts or even toffee bits add great crunch.
- Flavor twist: Add ½ tsp almond extract for a deeper cake flavor.
- Glaze it up: For a classic butter cake vibe, drizzle with a vanilla butter glaze once cooled.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
5️⃣ Alternate With Buttermilk
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Begin and end with the dry mix. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
6️⃣ Add Nuts (Optional)
- If using, fold in chopped nuts gently.
7️⃣ Shape and Bake
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8️⃣ Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm or fully cooled—these cookies are tender and delicious either way!
🔥 Tips for Success
- Room temp butter and eggs make for a smoother, more even dough.
- Don’t overmix: You want tender cookies, not tough ones!
- Chill dough for 15 minutes if it’s too sticky to scoop cleanly.
- Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze or dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies are sweet, buttery, and soft—perfect for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or gifting. Pair them with:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – Great for a cookie sampler
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies – Adds color to your spread
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – Ultra-indulgent companion treat
- Edible Cookie Dough – Spoonable fun for your cookie bar
- Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About – Whimsical and seasonally versatile
Storage and Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze fully baked cookies in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Edible Cookie Dough
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About
Final Thoughts
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies deliver all the nostalgia and indulgence of the classic Southern cake in convenient cookie form. Rich, soft, and buttery with a hint of tang from buttermilk, they’re everything a good cookie should be—and just different enough to stand out at your next bake sale or cookie exchange.
If you bake them, tag @ChefManiac to show us your buttery masterpieces, and don’t forget to subscribe for more nostalgic bakes and cookie classics from Jason Griffith’s kitchen.
🍪💛 Happy baking, butter lovers!
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