Are you craving a taste of the South? These Kentucky Butter Cookies are the perfect treat! They're buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers looking for easy recipes, as well as experienced cooks searching for a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe, a true addition to your collection of best recipes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also do it by hand – just be prepared for a little arm workout!
Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating a criss-cross pattern on top. This is a classic Kentucky Butter Cookie touch!
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Kentucky Butter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the dough for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle your cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-8g
- Sugar: 8-10g
These Kentucky Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee at home, these easy recipes and delicious dishes are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!