Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries dance through this kentucky butter cake cookies creation, promising pure indulgence.

Warm ovens and soft butter whisper nostalgic promises of comfort.

Delicate crumbs melt like silk across your eager palate.

Butter-rich textures promise a decadent journey beyond ordinary desserts.

Subtle hints of vanilla weave magic into each tender morsel.

Crisp edges and soft centers beckon with irresistible charm.

You won’t be able to resist these mouthwatering morsels that blend Southern tradition with classic cookie perfection.

Why Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Are a Southern Favorite

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delightful cookies using a simple cake mix base, making the recipe super accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Soft, buttery cookies with a rich glaze that creates an irresistible, indulgent treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile cookies that work wonderfully for potlucks, family gatherings, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples and takes minimal effort, allowing even novice bakers to create a delicious homemade dessert with guaranteed success.

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Main Ingredients:

White Cake Mix: A sweet and convenient base for creating delicious cookies.

Butter: Rich and creamy ingredient that adds wonderful flavor.

Eggs: Helps bind the cookies together and provide structure.

Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Water, Vanilla: A classic sweet mixture that gives the cookies a delightful glossy finish.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: A light and sweet dusting that makes the cookies look extra special.

Baking Directions for Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

This will ensure the perfect baking environment for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, gather these ingredients:
  • White cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Melted butter

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a thick, luscious dough.

The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space the cookie mounds about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cookie edges turn a light golden color.

The centers should remain soft and tender.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes.

This helps them set and makes transferring to a cooling rack easier.

Step 7: Craft the Buttery Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.

Gather these glaze ingredients:
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk the ingredients constantly for about 4 minutes.

The goal is to dissolve the sugar completely without letting the mixture boil.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

While the cookies are still warm, drizzle about a teaspoon of glaze over each cookie.

Allow the glaze to set, then dust the cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness.

Tips for Soft and Buttery Cookies

  • Choose a premium white cake mix for the best texture and flavor in your cookies. Opt for brands known for their rich, moist results.
  • Use a light touch when scooping cookie dough to keep the cookies tender. Avoid compressing the mixture to maintain a soft, delicate crumb.
  • Keep a close eye on cookies during baking to prevent overcooking. Remove them when edges are just golden, ensuring a perfectly soft center.
  • Whisk glaze ingredients gently and consistently to create a smooth, silky coating. Maintain low heat to prevent burning and achieve a perfect consistency.
  • Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their ideal texture. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness.

Store and Reheat Butter Cake Cookies with Care

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.
  • If serving within 24 hours, keep cookies on the counter in a sealed container. Maintain their buttery flavor and soft texture away from direct sunlight.

What to Pair with Butter Cake Cookies

  • Elevate Beverage Pairings: Sip Creamy Vanilla Latte
  • The rich, buttery sweetness of these cookies craves a smooth, creamy vanilla latte that complements their delicate texture. The espresso's warmth balances the cookie's sweetness while enhancing its vanilla undertones.
  • Dessert Wine Companion: Pour Moscato d'Asti
  • Select a light, slightly sparkling Moscato d'Asti to match the cookie's sugary profile. Its gentle bubbles and sweet notes create a harmonious dance with the butter cake cookie's delicate glaze.
  • Comfort Tea Match: Brew Earl Grey
  • Steep a classic Earl Grey tea with bergamot hints to cut through the cookie's richness. The tea's subtle citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, buttery cookie texture.
  • Milk Pairing Perfection: Serve Cold Whole Milk
  • Pour a chilled glass of whole milk alongside these cookies for a nostalgic, comforting experience. The milk's creamy richness beautifully mirrors the cookie's buttery essence and helps balance its sweetness.

Variations on Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use almond flour or gluten-free flour as an alternative base.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based butter substitute, and select a vegan-friendly cake mix. Choose dairy-free butter alternative for the glaze.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix, substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener in the glaze, and minimize powdered sugar topping. Select lower-calorie butter alternatives for a healthier approach.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Variation: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cake mix, add chocolate chips to the cookie dough, and drizzle with chocolate glaze instead of traditional butter sauce.

FAQs

  • What makes Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?

These cookies use a white cake mix as a base, creating a unique texture that’s softer and more tender than traditional cookies, with a rich buttery flavor enhanced by a sweet glaze.

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

While white cake mix works best, you can experiment with yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile. Avoid using mixes with added ingredients or pudding mix, as they might affect the cookie texture.

  • Why is the glaze added while the cookies are warm?

Warm cookies absorb the glaze better, allowing it to seep into the cookie and create a more intense, moist flavor. The warmth helps the glaze penetrate the cookie’s surface, making them more delicious and soft.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to set while cooling. Overbaking will result in dry, crisp cookies that lose the signature soft texture.

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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet nostalgia meets modern comfort with kentucky butter cake cookies, blending Southern charm and irresistible richness. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth morsels invite you to savor a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs, whisked

Instructions

  1. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and ensure the oven is preheated to a consistent 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend the white cake mix with whisked eggs and melted butter until a dense, uniform dough forms.
  3. Utilize a cookie scoop or tablespoon to carefully deposit uniform dough mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining approximately 2 inches of separation between each cookie.
  4. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges while preserving soft, tender centers.
  5. After removing from the oven, allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
  6. Meanwhile, construct the luxurious glaze by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  7. Incorporate sugar, water, and vanilla extract into the melted butter, whisking continuously for approximately 4 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves, taking care to prevent boiling.
  8. While cookies remain warm, generously drizzle approximately one teaspoon of glaze across each cookie’s surface.
  9. Permit the glaze to set naturally, then elegantly dust the cookies with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for a refined finishing touch.

Notes

  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like yellow or butter to create unique cookie variations that suit your taste preferences.
  • Ensure butter is fully melted but not browned when making the glaze to maintain a smooth, consistent texture that coats the cookies perfectly.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, keeping the same measurement and mixing technique.
  • Cool cookies on the baking sheet briefly to prevent breaking, allowing them to firm up slightly before transferring to a cooling rack for complete cooling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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