If you’ve ever craved the warm, buttery magic of a Southern classic in a quick and utterly irresistible cookie, you’re in for a treat—literally! Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies transform all the nostalgia and incredible flavor of the beloved cake into perfectly soft, glazed cookies that melt in your mouth. This recipe is pure comfort: golden, beautifully simple, and crowned with a luscious glaze that soaks in for that signature rich finish. Whether for bake sales, holiday trays, or just because, these are cookies you (and everyone you share them with) will absolutely swoon over. With this Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies recipe, decadence has never been easier or more delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with classic baking staples, each one bringing something delicious to the table. From the rich yellow cake mix forming our base to the dreamy double-duty butter in both dough and glaze, every ingredient adds a special texture, touch, or hint of nostalgia to these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): The heart of these cookies, it offers instant buttery flavor and fluffiness without fuss.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Delivers that unmistakable rich, Southern butteriness to the dough.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and creating that chewy, cake-like bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, comforting depth and envelops the cookies in classic vanilla aroma.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a silky, dreamy finish.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Brings just the right hint of sweetness and sparkle to the glaze.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps smooth and thin the glaze so it coats every crack and crevice.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): For the glaze, a double hit of butteriness to echo the richness of the cookie base.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the glaze with gentle flavor; don’t skip it for full aroma.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, it ensures those glorious Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies lift right off without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, the eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a rich, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overmix—you want the cookies to stay tender and soft inside.
Step 3: Shape and Arrange Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently between your palms to form balls. Arrange them on your parchment-lined sheets with about 2 inches of space between each, giving the cookies room to puff up and crackle as they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your trays in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and tops that are just barely cracked—this keeps the centers moist and cake-like, just the way Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies should be. Don’t be tempted to overbake; the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 5: Whip Up the Signature Glaze
While the cookies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth, shiny, and just the right consistency to brush or drizzle effortlessly.
Step 6: Glaze While Warm
Once the cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes, gently brush or drizzle them with the warm glaze. It will soak into those lovely cracks and give every cookie a dreamy, glossy finish—absolutely essential for authentic Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies flavor!
Step 7: Let the Glaze Set and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool completely and let the glaze set before serving. The glaze adds a little crunch and shine, sealing in all that buttery goodness. Once set, dig in and prepare for cookie bliss!
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, dust your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with a touch of extra powdered sugar after the glaze sets or sprinkle on a bit of finely grated lemon zest for a citrusy pop. If you’re feeling indulgent, even a drizzle of white chocolate or a pinch of colored sprinkles can add a special twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies are rich but not overpowering, making them perfect companions to simple sides. Try pairing them with a fresh fruit salad, a cup of berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern dessert spread. They’re also fantastic served alongside strong, hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in gift boxes lined with parchment for an unforgettable homemade treat. Arrange them on tiered serving stands for parties, or even bundle a few in cellophane bags as thoughtful teacher or neighbor gifts. Their glossy glaze and warming aroma make them a dazzling addition to any celebration table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies store wonderfully at room temperature. Keep your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh, soft, and glazed for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen and the glaze continues to work its magic as they sit.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies (fully cooled and glazed) in a single layer, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep their texture and taste for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one or two in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The glaze softens and the buttery aroma intensifies, making your Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, you can try white or even butter cake mix for a twist. Just know the taste and color will vary a bit from the classic.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
The secret is not to overbake them. Take them out when the edges are just set and the tops have light cracks. Also, storing in an airtight container helps maintain their softness for days.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just use two boxes of cake mix and double every ingredient—cookies for a crowd with hardly any extra effort!
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the recipe, but if you only have salted butter, you can use it and simply skip adding any extra salt. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
What can I add for extra flavor?
A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon in the dough adds a lovely warmth, or try a splash of almond extract in the glaze for a little twist. Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are also divine with a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies, there’s no going back—each bite is tender, buttery, and golden with that signature sugary glaze that’s pure Southern comfort. Share them with friends, family, or just treat yourself; they’re simply too good to resist. Happy baking!
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. These glazed buttery treats are made with a yellow cake mix for a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
- Make the glaze: While cookies bake, whisk together powdered sugar, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Glaze the cookies: Cool cookies for 5 minutes, then brush or drizzle the warm glaze over the tops.
- Serve: Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Cookies taste better the next day as the glaze soaks in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
