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The Kentucky Butter Cookie from Crumbl is a decadent, buttery treat that has won over cookie lovers with its rich flavor and irresistible texture.
With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and a generous buttery glaze that makes each bite even more indulgent, this cookie has become a fan favorite.
The unique part about the Kentucky Butter Cookie is its glaze—perfectly sweet, buttery, and smooth—which soaks into the cookie and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Imagine a delicate sugar cookie, but with a bold, buttery twist that makes it totally unforgettable.
Why Make a Copycat Version?
While Crumbl’s Kentucky Butter Cookie is beloved by many, sometimes it’s just more satisfying to bake your own version at home.
Making this cookie yourself means you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, with the sweet scent of butter filling your kitchen.
Not to mention, homemade cookies tend to have that extra touch of love and care that can’t be beat.
This copycat recipe allows you to recreate the magic of Crumbl’s Kentucky Butter Cookie without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Plus, it’s cost-effective, and you can make a batch anytime the craving strikes!
Ingredients Needed for the Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookie
To make this homemade version of the Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookie, you’ll need a few basic ingredients.
While the recipe is simple, it’s the quality of the ingredients that truly makes the difference in creating that rich, buttery flavor that defines this cookie.
For the Cookie Dough:
Butter (Room Temperature)
Using butter at room temperature is key to achieving the right texture for the dough.
It will cream better with the sugars and create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dough.
Granulated Sugar
The classic white sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking, creating that perfect chewy texture.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar provides a bit of moisture and depth of flavor, giving the cookies a soft, rich texture.
It also enhances the buttery taste, making the cookies even more indulgent.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture, which helps create a smooth and tender dough.
They also contribute to the overall texture, ensuring that your cookies come out soft and fluffy.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is essential for flavor.
A good quality vanilla will add a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the buttery sweetness of the cookie.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour is the base of the dough and gives the cookies structure. It’s important to measure it properly to avoid dense cookies. All-purpose flour works best for a tender texture in this recipe.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is the leavening agent that will help the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy as they bake. It’s a key ingredient in creating the perfect cookie texture.
Salt
A small pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and accentuates the flavor of the butter. It’s surprising how just a little salt can elevate the taste of these cookies.
Milk (Optional)
Some versions of the Kentucky Butter Cookie use milk to make the dough even more tender and soft. You can skip this ingredient if you prefer a firmer cookie, but it’s highly recommended for that extra softness.
For the Kentucky Butter Glaze:
Butter
Just like in the dough, butter plays a crucial role in the glaze. The glaze should have the same rich, buttery taste, and using unsalted butter helps control the overall flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the glaze and helps it set to a perfect, glossy finish on the cookies.
Vanilla Extract
The vanilla extract in the glaze ties all the flavors together, adding a warm and aromatic essence that complements the buttery sweetness.
Heavy Cream (or Whole Milk)
Heavy cream is ideal for making the glaze rich and smooth, giving it a luxurious texture that soaks beautifully into the cookies. However, you can use whole milk as a substitute for a slightly lighter version of the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
Start by placing your room-temperature butter into a large mixing bowl. Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl.
Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
This step is essential for creating a light, airy dough.
The goal is to cream the butter and sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender and soft cookie texture.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, it’s time to add the wet ingredients.
Crack two eggs into the bowl and add the vanilla extract.
Mix everything on low speed until fully combined, being careful not to overmix.
The eggs will help bind the dough together, while the vanilla extract adds that essential warm, aromatic flavor.
Your dough should now be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
The baking powder is key to helping your cookies rise, while the salt enhances the overall flavor.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, a little at a time, while mixing on low speed.
Continue until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense cookies.
The dough will be soft but firm enough to scoop.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookies.
Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out equal portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons each).
Roll the dough into smooth balls with your hands.
Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft.
The key here is not to overbake.
The cookies may look slightly underdone in the middle when you pull them out, but they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Kentucky Butter Glaze
Step 1: Melt the Butter for the Glaze
While your cookies are baking, you can start preparing the glaze.
In a small saucepan, add the butter and melt it over medium heat.
Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Once the butter is completely melted, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Simmer
Once the butter is melted, add the granulated sugar to the saucepan.
Stir to combine the sugar with the butter.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes.
During this time, the sugar will dissolve completely, and the mixture will slightly thicken, creating the base for your glaze.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract and Heavy Cream
Once the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has simmered for a minute or two, remove the saucepan from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely, aromatic flavor, and then slowly pour in the heavy cream (or whole milk if you prefer).
Stir until everything is well combined, and the glaze is smooth and glossy.
The heavy cream gives the glaze its rich, silky texture, which will coat the cookies perfectly.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookie
Use Room Temperature Butter for the Best Texture
One of the most important tips when baking the perfect Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookie is to make sure your butter is at room temperature.
Softened butter creams better with the sugars, ensuring a smooth dough that results in tender cookies.
If your butter is too cold, the dough may turn out stiff, making it harder to mix.
If you forget to set your butter out ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
When you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, be sure to mix only until everything is combined.
Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies, which you want to avoid.
The key to achieving a light, soft texture is to stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears into the dough.
Bake Until Just Golden Around the Edges
The perfect Kentucky Butter Cookie is soft in the center and slightly golden on the edges.
To achieve this texture, don’t overbake the cookies.
Keep an eye on them as they bake and remove them from the oven when the edges begin to turn golden brown, but the center should still look a bit soft.
The cookies will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, so they’ll firm up to the perfect texture after a few minutes.
Make the Glaze While the Cookies Bake
A fresh glaze makes all the difference when glazing the cookies.
To ensure the glaze is warm and ready to go as soon as the cookies come out of the oven, start making the glaze while the cookies are baking.
This way, you can brush the glaze onto the cookies while they are still warm, allowing it to soak in and create that signature buttery finish.
Use High-Quality Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract plays a crucial role in both the cookies and the glaze, adding that lovely warm flavor that ties everything together.
To elevate your cookies even further, use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla.
Pure vanilla offers a richer and more complex flavor that will make your cookies taste even more delicious.
Store Cookies in an Airtight Container
To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
These cookies will stay fresh for several days, and the butter in the dough helps to maintain their tenderness.
If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months.
How to Serve and Enjoy Your Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Your Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and treats.
Here are some ideas for what to enjoy alongside your freshly baked cookies:
- A Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting, a cold glass of milk is the perfect complement to the buttery richness of these cookies.
The creamy milk helps balance the sweetness and smooths out the texture. - Hot Tea or Coffee: If you prefer a warm drink, a nice cup of tea (especially black or chai) or coffee pairs beautifully with the soft, rich flavor of the cookies.
The warmth of the drink helps highlight the cookie’s delicate texture. - Vanilla Ice Cream: For a true indulgence, serve your Kentucky Butter Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The ice cream’s creamy texture and the cookie’s buttery flavor make for a heavenly combination.
Ideal Occasions to Serve Your Cookies
These Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookies are versatile enough for a variety of occasions.
Here are a few moments where they would be a perfect fit:
- Holiday Gatherings: Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other special occasion, these cookies make a great addition to the dessert table.
Their rich flavor is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. - Bake Sales: These cookies have an eye-catching appeal and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will make them a hit at any bake sale.
They’re simple to transport and store, making them a great choice for a fundraising event. - A Cozy Afternoon Snack: If you’re craving something sweet in the afternoon, these cookies are ideal for a snack with your favorite hot beverage.
Perfect for enjoying while relaxing or catching up with friends. - Gift Giving: These cookies can be packaged in a decorative box or bag and given as a thoughtful homemade gift.
They’re perfect for birthdays, teacher gifts, or just showing someone you care.
Ideal Storage and Freshness Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re likely to disappear quickly), here’s how to store them to maintain freshness:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They will remain soft and delicious.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookies before or after glazing. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently heat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Making Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter Cookies at home is an incredibly rewarding experience.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create soft, buttery cookies that rival the ones from your favorite bakery.
The rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet, glossy glaze make these cookies an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a special celebration, a bake sale, or just as a sweet snack for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Baking these cookies gives you full control over the freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy them straight out of the oven while they’re still warm and soft.
Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a homemade version of a beloved bakery treat.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and guarantees delicious results.
Now that you have all the tools and tips to make the perfect Kentucky Butter Cookies, enjoy the process and the final product. Trust us, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
This will actually allow the flavors to meld even more, making the cookies even more delicious.
When you’re ready to bake, scoop and shape the dough, then bake as usual.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies before or after glazing.
To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop and shape the dough, place it on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
Then, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container.
When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough directly on a baking sheet and bake, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
If you’ve already glazed the cookies, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk if you prefer a lighter glaze.
The cream creates a richer, thicker glaze, but milk will still give you a smooth and delicious result.
If you’re using milk, the glaze may be a bit thinner, so make sure to brush it on while it’s still warm to help it soak into the cookies.
4. Why did my glaze turn out too runny?
If your glaze turns out too runny, it might be because you used too much cream or milk.
Try adding a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up to your desired consistency.
You can also cook the glaze for a minute longer to help it thicken before pouring it over the cookies.
5. How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container as soon as they cool.
The butter in the dough helps maintain their softness for days.
If you prefer the cookies extra soft, you can also add a slice of bread to the container.
The bread will help keep the cookies moist and prevent them from drying out.
Copycat Crumbl Kentucky Butter
Equipment
- Electric Mixer (1, for mixing dough)
- Baking Sheet (1, lined with parchment paper)
- Cookie Scoop (1, for evenly sized dough balls)
- Wire Rack (1, for cooling cookies)
- Small Saucepan (1, for preparing glaze)
- Mixing Bowls (2, for wet and dry ingredients)
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk optional for extra softness
For the Kentucky Butter Glaze:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions
For the Cookie Dough:
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough is too thick, add the milk for extra softness.
Shape the Dough:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough portions (about 2 tablespoons each) and roll into balls. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Kentucky Butter Glaze:
Melt the Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add Sugar and Simmer:
- Stir in the sugar and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add Vanilla and Cream:
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Glaze the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled slightly but are still warm, brush the glaze over the top of each cookie. Allow the glaze to soak in for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Milk in Dough: Adding milk is optional. It creates a slightly softer and more tender dough, but the cookies will still be delicious without it.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: If you’d like to bake the cookies later, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet and transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. When ready to bake, place the dough on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 extra minutes.
- Thicker Glaze: For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of cream or simmer the glaze longer. You can also add a little more powdered sugar if you want it to be thicker.
