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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies capture the rich, buttery flavor and tender, moist crumb of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Featuring browned butter, light brown sugar, and simple pantry ingredients, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of buttery richness, slight crisp edges, and tender centers. Ideal for snacking, gifting, or special occasions, they bring a delightful Southern charm to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (preferably browned, cooled)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Variations

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for chocolate chip variation)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (for spiced variation)
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (for nutty upgrade)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (for citrus twist)
  • Gluten-free flour blend (substitute for all-purpose flour for GF version)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Melt unsalted butter over medium heat, letting it bubble and foam. Watch carefully as it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes to deepen the buttery flavor that will make the cookies special.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar. Beat until creamy and well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to complete the wet base.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even baking and consistent texture throughout the cookies.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently and fold only until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb and soft cookie texture.
  5. Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough into uniform balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while centers remain soft.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. As they cool, these cookies develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for easier blending with butter and sugar.
  • Don’t skip the browning step of the butter; it’s key for deep, nutty flavor.
  • Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off gently to avoid dry cookies.
  • Chill the dough optionally for thicker, more flavorful cookies.
  • Rotate baking tray halfway through baking for even browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, butter cookies, brown butter cookies, Southern cookies, soft cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/kentucky-butter-cake-cookies/