Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies – Sweet, Buttery, and Irresistible
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies 😋😍 – Sweet, Buttery, and Irresistible
There are cookies, and then there are Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies—the kind of treat that melts in your mouth, leaving behind buttery, sugary goodness that makes you want to reach for another. Inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, these cookies bring that rich, indulgent flavor into a perfectly portioned, handheld delight. Soft, sweet, and topped with a light glaze, they’re ideal for sharing at parties, gifting, or sneaking straight from the cookie sheet when no one is watching.
These cookies are deceptively simple to make. Using a white cake mix as the base gives you a soft and tender texture without the fuss of making everything from scratch. Whisked eggs and melted butter enrich the dough, creating a cookie that’s buttery and light. Then comes the glaze—a sweet, buttery topping that elevates these cookies into something extraordinary. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that final touch, and you’ve got a cookie that looks as good as it tastes.
I first tried these cookies at a friend’s family gathering, and the buttery aroma alone was irresistible. Each bite was soft, sweet, and just the right amount of decadent. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the rich, comforting taste of butter cake but wants it in cookie form. These cookies are also incredibly versatile—you can drizzle a little extra glaze, add a hint of vanilla or almond extract, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for subtle warmth.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies:
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1 box white cake mix
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2 eggs {whisked}
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1/3 cup butter {melted}
Glaze:
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1/4 cup butter
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp water
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1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Cookies
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Combine cookie ingredients in large bowl and mix until completely incorporated. NOTE: Dough will be thick.
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Using a medium sized cookie scoop {or heaping tablespoon}, scoop cookies onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
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Bake for 7-8 minutes, remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Repeat until all of the dough is baked.
Glaze
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Combine the glaze ingredients in a small sauce pan. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved {it took about 4 minutes}, being sure to whisk the whole time.
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Spoon a teaspoon of glaze over each cookie and spread out, if necessary.
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Let glaze set and then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Keep your Kentucky butter cake cookies in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips and Variations
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Cookie Size: For smaller, bite-sized cookies, reduce the scoop size and adjust baking time to 5-6 minutes.
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Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
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Glaze Variations: Mix a little lemon juice into the glaze for a citrusy twist or a tablespoon of cocoa for chocolatey goodness.
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Make Ahead: You can scoop the cookie dough onto a tray and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Serving Ideas
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or a weekend treat with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Their soft, buttery texture makes them ideal for pairing with ice cream or custard as a dessert. You can also arrange them on a festive platter, drizzle extra glaze, and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a visually stunning presentation at parties or family gatherings.
Because they’re small, sweet, and rich, these cookies are also perfect for gifting. Wrap a few in parchment paper or a small box with a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade gift that friends and family will love.
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully before glazing. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze. Avoid glazing before freezing if you want to maintain a smooth finish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes! Vanilla or yellow cake mixes also work well, and you can experiment with fun flavors like lemon or almond for a twist.
Q: How do I make the cookies extra soft?
A: Don’t overbake. Pull them out when they’re just set and let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes to finish cooking gently.
Q: Can I double the glaze for extra sweetness?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure to spoon it over the cookies gradually to avoid them becoming soggy.
Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and make sure your cake mix doesn’t contain dairy.
