Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring the rich, buttery flavor of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake into a bite-sized, handheld treat. Made with a simple cake mix base and finished with a luscious butter-vanilla glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm drink, they’re a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Easy Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth. The combination of a tender cookie base and a silky glaze makes them the ultimate comfort dessert. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, they’re an easy way to impress at your next gathering or satisfy a sweet craving.
Why Our Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Are the Best
- Rich and Buttery Flavor: The cookies are infused with a deep, buttery richness that’s enhanced by the glaze.
- Simple and Quick: Made with cake mix and a handful of ingredients, these cookies are ready in no time.
- Elegant Finish: The glaze and powdered sugar create a polished, bakery-worthy appearance.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients Notes Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 package premium white cake mix – The base for the cookies, providing a soft, tender texture.
- 2 large eggs, thoroughly beaten – Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt – Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter – The base of the glaze, adding silkiness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the glaze perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon water – Helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth consistency.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Infuses the glaze with warm, sweet flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Dusting the cookies adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Tablespoon-sized cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Small saucepan
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 package premium white cake mix, 2 beaten eggs, 6 tablespoons melted butter, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Mix vigorously until the dough is smooth and uniform.
3. Form the Cookies
- Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
4. Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7–8 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and still soft to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Glaze the Cookies
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the butter-vanilla glaze evenly over each cookie. Allow the glaze to set completely.
7. Add Finishing Touches
- Dust the glazed cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
How to Store Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
At Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.
- Spiced Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced variation.
What to Serve With Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Top Tips for Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies while they’re still soft to achieve a tender texture.
- Cool Before Glazing: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled to prevent the glaze from sliding off.
- Use Quality Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract makes a big difference in the flavor of the glaze.
- Dust Just Before Serving: Add powdered sugar shortly before serving for the freshest appearance.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the cookie dough is well-combined for uniform cookies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Martha Stewart: Line baking sheets with parchment for easy release and cleanup.
- Gordon Ramsay: Add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze for a subtle contrast to the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use yellow cake mix instead of white?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly richer, which pairs beautifully with the butter glaze.
2. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if it seems too soft.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Ensure you have enough baking sheets and oven space for multiple batches.
4. How long does the glaze take to set?
The glaze usually sets in 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix for a similar texture and flavor.
Enjoy the buttery goodness of these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Ingredients
– Cookie Dough:
- 1 package premium white cake mix
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
– Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, mix cake mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft to the touch. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, sugar, water, and vanilla. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth (4-5 minutes).
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle glaze evenly over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set.
- Finish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overbaking for soft cookies.
- The glaze can also be brushed on for more even coverage.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
