If you have a soft spot for cookies that pack a boozy but balanced punch, you are going to adore this Kentucky Bourbon Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the comforting sweetness of a vanilla cake mix with the rich warmth of real Kentucky bourbon, creating a treat that feels like a cozy hug with a little grown-up twist. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or sneaking a batch just for yourself, these cookies bring together a few simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create a cookie bursting with flavor and a tender, buttery texture. Each component plays its part, from the cake mix that supplies softness and structure, to the bourbon adding character and depth.
- Vanilla cake mix: This is the base that brings a delicate sweetness and soft crumb to your cookies.
- Large eggs: Whisked eggs provide moisture and help everything bind beautifully together.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness while keeping the flavor balanced and luscious.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): For creaming with sugar, it creates that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar: Just enough to sweeten and caramelize the edges to golden perfection.
- Jim Beam Kentucky bourbon: The star ingredient bringing warmth, subtle smokiness, and signature bourbon charm.
How to Make Kentucky Bourbon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the room temperature butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a cookie that’s tender and just the right amount of chewy. Taking your time here sets the foundation for a perfect texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk the eggs until smooth and gradually add them into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well. Then, pour in the melted butter and the bourbon. The bourbon infuses the dough with subtle complexity, so be sure to blend it thoroughly for even flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Slowly fold in the vanilla cake mix, mixing just until combined. The cake mix is what gives these cookies their beautifully soft and cakey texture, so be gentle and avoid over-mixing. The dough will be slightly sticky but easy to scoop.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread slightly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 9 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly without losing their tender interior. Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be devoured or shared.
How to Serve Kentucky Bourbon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, dust your Kentucky Bourbon Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Chopped pecans or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt can also elevate the flavor by adding a delightful crunch and a hint of contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a warm mug of coffee or a creamy glass of milk. During colder months, try them with a hot toddy or a holiday spiced cider for an extra cozy pairing. They also make a charming addition to a dessert platter with fruit and cheeses for adult celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of bourbon caramel sauce or honey butter for dipping. You can stack them in pretty tins tied with twine to gift or serve with ice cream sandwiches using vanilla or caramel-flavored ice cream for a grown-up dessert treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Kentucky Bourbon Cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This also helps them stay soft and fresh. For an extra touch, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture and prolong softness.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance, the dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply heat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This reheating brings back that fresh-baked softness and accentuates the bourbon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different bourbon in the Kentucky Bourbon Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While Jim Beam is classic, you can experiment with other Kentucky bourbons or even rye whiskey for a different flavor twist. Just stick to quality spirits for the best results.
Can I substitute the cake mix for something else?
The vanilla cake mix is essential for the signature texture of these cookies, but a yellow or butter cake mix could also work well. Avoid mixes with pudding or extra flavorings that might change the dough consistency.
Are these cookies very boozy?
Not at all! The bourbon’s alcohol mostly bakes off, leaving behind a gentle warmth and depth that enhances the sweetness without overpowering. They’re enjoyable for anyone who loves a hint of bourbon flavor.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid making cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor balance.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips make excellent additions that add texture and richness. Fold them in with the cake mix during the final step for delightful variations.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way the simple ingredients come together in this Kentucky Bourbon Cookies Recipe to create a cookie that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re baking for friends, holidays, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a treasured favorite. I’m so excited for you to try them and experience that delicious bourbon-tinged comfort for yourself!
Print
Kentucky Bourbon Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Kentucky Bourbon Cookies are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of vanilla cake mix with the smooth, deep notes of Jim Beam Kentucky bourbon. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a subtle boozy kick, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any bourbon enthusiast or cookie lover.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons Jim Beam Kentucky bourbon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and sugar. Add the whisked eggs, melted unsalted butter (1/3 cup), and the 3 tablespoons of Jim Beam Kentucky bourbon. Mix thoroughly until a smooth cookie dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up; this helps manage the dough better for scooping and ensures a chewy texture after baking.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Form the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Optional Melted Butter Brush: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup unsalted butter and brush lightly over the tops of the cookie dough balls for an enhanced buttery crust (optional but recommended).
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-9 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your bourbon-infused treat!
Notes
- For a stronger bourbon flavor, you can slightly increase the bourbon to 4 tablespoons, but be cautious as too much liquid can affect texture.
- If you prefer crispy cookies, bake a minute or two longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Replacing vanilla cake mix with yellow cake mix can slightly alter flavor but still works well.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts.
