If you love the rich, buttery goodness of classic Kentucky Butter Cake, you’re going to be obsessed with these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies! These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with a simple cake mix base and finished with a luscious butter glaze that soaks into every bite. They’re buttery, sweet, and irresistibly tender—just like the famous cake, but in a fun, handheld cookie form!
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these cookies are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Let’s get baking! 🍪💛
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
✔️ Super Easy: Made with a boxed cake mix for a no-fuss, foolproof recipe.
✔️ Buttery & Moist: The butter glaze soaks into the cookies, making them incredibly rich and soft.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, bake sales, or just treating yourself!
✔️ Taste Just Like Kentucky Butter Cake: That classic vanilla-butter flavor in a bite-sized treat.
What Do They Taste Like? 🤤
These cookies have a soft, cakey texture with an ultra-buttery flavor. The vanilla-infused glaze seeps into the cookies, giving them a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth richness with just the right amount of sweetness. Think of them as a cross between a sugar cookie and a pound cake—but even better!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 box white cake mix 🎂 (for an easy, fluffy base)
- 2 eggs, whisked 🥚 (adds structure and moisture)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted 🧈 (gives them that rich, buttery flavor)
For the Butter Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted 🧈 (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬 (adds a slight crunch as it sets)
- 1 tablespoon water 💧 (helps dissolve the sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿 (for warmth and depth)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan (for the glaze)
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter.
- Stir until a thick dough forms. It will be slightly sticky—this is normal!
Step 2: Shape & Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 3: Make the Butter Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter.
- Add the sugar, water, and vanilla extract, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let the glaze cool slightly.
Step 4: Glaze the Cookies
- While the cookies are still slightly warm, brush or drizzle a small amount of glaze over each cookie.
- Let the glaze soak in for a few minutes, then apply a second light coat for extra buttery flavor.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely so the glaze can set.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the glaze is fully absorbed, dig in! These cookies are delicious on their own or paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
Tips for the Best Butter Cake Cookies
✔️ Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be soft when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
✔️ Double the Glaze: If you love an extra buttery flavor, make a little more glaze for a richer cookie!
✔️ Let the Glaze Set: Allowing the glaze to soak in before eating enhances the texture and flavor.
✔️ Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
✔️ Use a Cookie Scoop: For even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Variations to Try
🌰 Nutty Butter Cake Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a Southern twist.
🍫 White Chocolate Version: Add white chocolate chips for extra decadence.
🍋 Lemon Butter Cake Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy pop.
🎄 Holiday Version: Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look!
What to Serve with Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
☕ Coffee or Tea: The rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with a warm drink.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream: Make a cookie sandwich with a scoop of ice cream in the middle!
🍓 Fresh Berries: Adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, buttery cookies.
🥛 Cold Milk: Because cookies and milk are a match made in heaven!
How to Store & Freeze
🛑 Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.
🔥 Reheat: Pop a cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of white?
Yes! Yellow cake mix will give a slightly richer flavor but works just as well.
2. What’s the best way to apply the glaze?
A pastry brush works great, but you can also drizzle it with a spoon for a more rustic look.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to keep the balance just right.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors settle in.
5. Why is my dough too sticky?
Cake mix dough can be soft—chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Wrapping It Up 🍪✨
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are the perfect balance of soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become a new favorite!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your buttery, golden cookies! 😍
Craving More Sweet Treats?
🍰 Gooey Butter Cake Bars
🍪 Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sugar Cookies
🍫 Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Happy baking, and enjoy every soft, buttery bite! 😊💛