Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These cookies are pure buttery bliss. Soft, sweet, and dipped in a warm glaze that melts right in. The first time I made them, I couldn’t stop sneaking bites.

They taste just like the famous cake—but in cookie form. And yeah, they’re even better the next day.

If you want a cookie that’s rich, cozy, and easy to love, this is the one. Let’s bake ‘em!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together quickly with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps.
• Buttery and Sweet: The buttery glaze drizzled over the warm cookies creates a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s reminiscent of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy day at home, these cookies are always a hit.
• Adaptable: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other fun ingredients.
• No Mixing the Cake Batter: Using a box cake mix eliminates the hassle of measuring and mixing multiple ingredients – making this a quick and foolproof cookie recipe.

Required Kitchen Tools

You won’t need any special tools for this recipe. A standard set of baking essentials will do the trick:

• Baking Sheets: You’ll need a couple of baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cookie removal.
• Mixing Bowls: A medium and small bowl will be sufficient to prepare the dough and glaze.
• Whisk: For beating the eggs and mixing the wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: To let your cookies cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

These cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves buttery, rich desserts. Here’s what you’ll need to make them (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

For the Cookie Dough:

• White Cake Mix: The base of the cookie dough, which gives these cookies that soft, cake-like texture.
• Eggs: Two eggs, whisked, will help bind the dough together and give the cookies structure.
• Butter: Melted butter adds that rich, buttery flavor that makes these cookies taste like the beloved Kentucky Butter Cake.

For the Glaze:

• Butter: More butter for the glaze – this adds that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality to each bite.
• Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the glaze without overpowering the buttery flavor.
• Water: To help dissolve the sugar and create a smooth glaze consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the glaze that enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, the whisked eggs, and the melted butter. Stir everything together until the dough is smooth and no dry cake mix is visible. You’ll notice the dough will be slightly thick, which is perfect for these cookies.

2. Form the Dough into Balls

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookies. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll it into small balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, as they will spread a little as they bake.

3. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want them to overbake and lose their soft, cake-like texture. The cookies should look slightly puffed when they come out of the oven, but they will flatten and firm up as they cool.

4. Make the Butter Glaze

While the cookies are baking, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Once melted, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the glaze begins to bubble gently. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken up slightly.

After that, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a beautiful fragrance and depth of flavor to the glaze.

5. Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have finished baking, allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While the cookies are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over each cookie. You can either spoon the glaze over the cookies or use a pastry brush to lightly coat them. The glaze will soak into the warm cookies, making them even more decadent.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the glazed cookies to cool completely on the wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, you can serve them up immediately, or store them for later.

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sharing them with friends and family, bringing them to a party, or enjoying them on your own. Here are some great ways to serve and enjoy them:

• At a Party: Place these cookies on a serving platter for your next event. They’re an instant crowd-pleaser and will disappear in no time!
• With Coffee or Tea: These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The buttery flavor complements the richness of a hot drink.
• For Dessert: Serve them as a sweet finish to a family dinner or a holiday meal. They’re so buttery and satisfying that they can stand in for a traditional cake or pie.
• As a Gift: These cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in a cute tin or gift box for a special touch.

Variations for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These cookies are already delicious, but if you want to get creative, you can customize them to suit your tastes or experiment with different ingredients:

Add Chocolate Chips

For a little extra sweetness and texture, try folding in some chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking. The combination of buttery cookies and melty chocolate is always a winning choice!

Add Nuts

If you love a bit of crunch, chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts make a great addition. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery sweetness of the cookies.

Use Brown Sugar

For a deeper, caramel-like flavor, swap out the granulated sugar in the glaze for brown sugar. This adds richness and complexity to the sweetness.

Experiment with Flavoring the Glaze

Instead of vanilla, try adding other extracts to the glaze. Almond extract or cinnamon would give a fun twist to these cookies!

Storing Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These cookies stay fresh for a few days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with others. Here’s how to store them:

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the cookies are glazed, they may become a little softer over time, but they will still taste just as delicious.
• In the Freezer: To store the cookies for longer, place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and reheat them gently in the microwave for a warm, fresh taste.

Nutrition

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	150 kcal
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	55mg
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	0g
Sugars	12g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent treat, Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are the perfect recipe to try. With their rich, buttery flavor and cake-like texture, they offer a comforting, irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, as a gift, or at your next party, these cookies are sure to be a hit! Try them today – I promise you won’t be disappointed!