Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are rich, buttery, and delightfully soft with a hint of vanilla and a subtle crunch from pecans. Perfectly golden-baked and easy to make, they bring the classic buttery flavor of Kentucky butter cake into a convenient cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, which will incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans if using, to add extra texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to prevent sticking as they expand during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving to firm up and prevent breakage.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the dough.
- If you prefer softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crisper edges, bake nearer to 12 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
