Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Soft, buttery, and drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze, these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies capture the rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of the classic Southern dessert in a bite-sized treat. They’re incredibly simple to make, thanks to a shortcut using cake mix, yet they taste completely homemade.
Perfect for holiday trays, afternoon treats, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies stay soft for days and taste even better as the flavors deepen overnight.
Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Only a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps.
- Rich and buttery – Just like traditional butter cake but in a soft, chewy cookie.
- Quick to bake – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, parties, or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs, whisked
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Medium cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk for glaze
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms. The dough will be slightly denser than typical cookie dough—this is normal.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
- Using a medium cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking—they will firm up as they cool.
Step 4: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla.
- Whisk continuously for about 4 minutes, or until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Glaze the Cookies
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of glaze over each cookie, using the back of the spoon to spread it if needed.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 7: Add a Finishing Touch (Optional)
For an extra hint of sweetness, dust the cookies with powdered sugar once the glaze has set.
Mistakes to Avoid & Quick Fixes
- Dough too sticky? – Chill it for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
- Overbaking? – These should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Glaze too thick or grainy? – Keep whisking as it heats to dissolve the sugar fully. If it thickens too much, add a tiny splash of water.
- Cookies spreading too much? – Ensure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat.
- Crumble over Greek yogurt for a fun breakfast twist.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Not necessary, but they’ll last up to a week if chilled.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before glazing.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their soft texture.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Butter Cake Cookies – Swap vanilla for lemon extract and add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough.
- Chocolate Butter Cake Cookies – Use chocolate cake mix instead of white for a fudgy version.
- Maple Butter Cake Cookies – Replace vanilla with maple extract and add a pinch of cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.
- Nutty Butter Cake Cookies – Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies prove that sometimes, the simplest recipes make the best treats. They’re soft, buttery, and packed with vanilla flavor, with a glaze that soaks in just enough to create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
I love how they bring all the cozy flavors of a classic butter cake into an easy-to-make cookie. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar, add a hint of citrus, or swap vanilla for almond extract, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.
So next time you need a quick, delicious dessert, give these a try—you won’t regret it!