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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies: Irresistibly Tender Bites

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are tender, buttery bites topped with a luscious bourbon glaze, making them an unforgettable treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Browned and cooled to 110°F
  • ¾ cup Granulated Sugar Standard granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar Packed firmly into the cup
  • 1 large Egg Room temperature
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Room temperature
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Use pure extract for best results
  • 1 tsp Bourbon Extract Can be substituted with whiskey in the glaze
  • 2 tbsp Sour Cream Full-fat recommended
  • 2 cups Cake Flour Sifted for best texture
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Helps lighten the crumb
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder Ensure freshness
  • ¼ tsp Cream of Tartar Stabilizes dough structure
  • ½ tsp Salt Enhances flavor
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sifted before use
  • 2 tbsp Milk Whole milk for creaminess
  • ½ tsp Extra Bourbon Extract For boosting flavor
  • Flaky Sea Salt For sprinkling

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • cookie scoop
  • parchment paper
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Brown the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until deep golden brown and fragrant. Cool to approximately 110°F before using.
  2. Mix the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, bourbon extract, and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
  3. Whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt in a separate bowl; set aside.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading while baking.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop dough balls about 2 tablespoons in size, placing them 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
  8. Cool cookies on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack until completely cooled.
  9. Make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and bourbon extract until smooth. Adjust milk for consistency.
  10. Dip cooled cookies in glaze, allowing excess to drip off, and let set for 10 minutes before sprinkling with flaky sea salt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Expert tips include browning the butter carefully, using sifted cake flour for texture, and not skipping the chilling step to maintain cookie shape.

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