Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

For the Butter Glaze

• ⅓ cup butter

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Make the cookie dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

2. Shape & bake

• Scoop dough into 1½–2 tbsp balls (about golf-ball size).

• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space to spread slightly.

• Gently flatten the tops just a little.

• Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.

• Do NOT overbake — soft is best!

3. Make the butter glaze

While cookies bake:

1. In a small saucepan, heat butter, sugar, and water over medium.

2. Heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is hot (don’t boil).

3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.

4. Glaze the cookies

• While cookies are still warm, brush or spoon warm glaze over the tops.

• Let cookies sit so the glaze absorbs and sets.

• They become shiny, sweet, buttery perfection.

🍪 Tips for Perfect Kentucky Butter Cookies

• For extra flavor, add ½ tsp almond extract to the glaze.

• Want them more cake-like? Add 1–2 tbsp milk to the dough.

• They taste even BETTER the next day as the glaze soaks in.