Kentucky butter cake cookie recipe starts with a cake mix, melted butter, and eggs to create soft, rich dough. Baked until lightly golden, the cookies are finished with a warm buttery glaze that soaks in and adds sweetness.
These kentucky butter cake cookie recipe taste incredibly rich, soft in the center, with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze. You can watch how to make them on cooking websites or video platforms where home bakers share steps.
I felt inspired to make this kentucky butter cake cookie recipe one quiet evening craving something comforting. Now, I’ll walk through how to make this sweet, buttery treat in a few simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this kentucky butter cake cookie recipe because the cookies are soft, rich, and full of buttery flavor. They’re made with just a few simple ingredients, so you can whip them up quickly without a lot of prep.
The glaze soaks into each cookie, adding a sweet finish that makes every bite taste like a slice of Kentucky butter cake.
They come out slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the middle easy to make, easy to love. Great for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Once you try one, it’s hard not to reach for another.
How To Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Recipe?
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Dessert / Cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American / Southern
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Pastry brush or spoon
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Glaze:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Recipe
1. Get the oven going.
Set it to 350°F (or 175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Make the cookie dough.
In a big mixing bowl, dump in the cake mix. Add the melted butter, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it turns into thick, soft dough. It’ll feel heavy but smooth make sure you don’t see any dry bits of cake mix left.
3. Shape the cookies.
Scoop out generous spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. They don’t have to be perfect. Place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each one they’ll spread out while baking.
4. Bake them.
Put the tray in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to just start turning golden. The centers should still look soft that’s exactly how you want them. Don’t wait for the whole cookie to look done, or they’ll end up over baked.
5. While those bake, make the glaze.
In a small saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and a bit of water. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the sugar mostly dissolves and the glaze looks smooth. Turn off the heat and stir in a little vanilla.
6. Glaze the cookies.
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven while they’re still hot brush the tops generously with the warm glaze. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes so the glaze can soak in a bit, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts Of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 130mg |
Why My Recipe Works
My kentucky butter cake cookie recipe works because it uses a cake mix base, which guarantees soft, consistent cookies with less effort. The melted butter adds rich flavor and moisture, while the eggs help bind everything into soft dough.
Baking just until set keeps the centers tender, not dry. The real magic comes from the warm butter glaze it soaks into the cookies instead of just sitting on top, locking in moisture and adding that signature sweet finish.
Every step is simple but intentional, making sure you get buttery, bakery-style kentucky butter cake cookie recipe without needing advanced baking skills.
Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?
This kentucky butter cake cookie recipe is a must-try because it delivers rich, buttery cookies that taste like a classic Southern dessert in an easy, approachable way.
Using a cake mix as a base makes the process quick and foolproof, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. The warm butter glaze adds a sweet, silky touch that transforms simple cookies into something special.
These kentucky butter cake cookie recipe have a soft, tender center and a slight crisp on the edges, creating a wonderful texture contrast. If you want a comforting treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Amazing Serving Ideas
Serve these kentucky butter cake cookie recipe alongside a cup of hot tea or fresh coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert upgrade.
For gatherings, arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance.
These kentucky butter cake cookie recipe can be wrapped individually as sweet gifts or packed in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise. Enjoy them warm for the best experience, or store in an airtight container to keep them soft and flavorful for days.
Health Benefits
Kentucky butter cake cookie recipe are a delicious treat but not typically known for health benefits. They provide energy through carbohydrates and fats, which can be helpful as a quick source of fuel.
The eggs offer some protein, and butter adds fat-soluble vitamins like A and E. However, these cookies are best enjoyed in moderation since they contain sugar and butter, which can contribute to excess calories and fat intake if eaten in large amounts.
Treating yourself occasionally can satisfy sweet cravings and boost your mood, making these kentucky butter cake cookie recipe a comforting part of a balanced lifestyle rather than a health food.
Expert Tips
1. Choose high-quality unsalted butter to enhance the rich, buttery taste without extra salt.
2. Gently warm the butter to a melted state without boiling, preserving its smooth texture and flavor.
3. Mix the ingredients just until they come together to avoid a tough or dry cookie.
4. Use a spoon or scoop to portion dough evenly, ensuring consistent baking and appearance.
5. Apply the glaze while it’s still warm so it seeps into the cookies for a soft, moist finish.
6. Allow cookies to cool briefly after baking but glaze them before they’re completely cold for best absorption.
Additions And Variations
✔ Chopped Nuts: Fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough. This adds a satisfying crunch and a rich, earthy flavor that complements the buttery sweetness perfectly. The nuts also bring a nice texture contrast to the soft cookies.
✔ Warm Spices: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the batter. These spices give the cookies a cozy, inviting aroma and a subtle depth of flavor that’s perfect for cooler months or holiday baking.
✔ Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of one lemon or orange into the dough. The citrus oils brighten the flavor, cutting through the richness of the butter and adding a fresh, tangy note that livens up each bite.
✔ Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing and cooling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies. This adds a touch of elegance and a rich, decadent layer that balances the sweet glaze with smooth chocolate flavor.
✔ Sugary Coating: Before baking, roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar or cinnamon sugar. This creates a sparkling, slightly crunchy exterior that adds visual appeal and an extra burst of sweetness right from the first bite.
Storage & Make Ahead
Kentucky butter cake cookie recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them soft and fresh.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked kentucky butter cake cookie recipe by placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.
You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. This helps the flavors develop and makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store Kentucky butter cake cookies to keep them soft?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside to maintain moisture. This helps keep the cookies soft and fresh for up to a week.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor or homemade cake mix?
While the classic recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can try butter or even spice cake mix for a twist. Homemade cake mix versions can work but may alter the texture slightly.
Is the buttery glaze necessary, and can I substitute it?
The glaze is key to the cookie’s rich, moist texture and adds a buttery shine. If you prefer, you can swap the glaze for a simple powdered sugar icing or skip it altogether, but the cookies won’t be quite as moist.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies, and how do I thaw them?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes. Baked cookies freeze well too just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
What are some popular add-ins or flavor variations?
Try folding in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm note. You could also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over cooled cookies for a decadent finish.
Conclusion
This amazing Kentucky butter cake cookie recipe is something everyone will enjoy. I made it several times and always shared it with friends and family, who loved it just as much as I did.
After baking and tasting these kentucky butter cake cookie recipe, I knew I had to share the recipe so others could experience how delicious they are.
I hope you give kentucky butter cake cookie recipe a try soon and enjoy every bite. When you do, please let me know how tasty you found it I’m sure it will become one of your favorite treats too!
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Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Pastry brush or spoon
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow or white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Glaze:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Get the oven going.
- Set it to 350°F (or 175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Make the cookie dough.
- In a big mixing bowl, dump in the cake mix. Add the melted butter, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it turns into thick, soft dough. It’ll feel heavy but smooth make sure you don’t see any dry bits of cake mix left.
Shape the cookies.
- Scoop out generous spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. They don’t have to be perfect. Place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each one they’ll spread out while baking.
Bake them.
- Put the tray in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to just start turning golden. The centers should still look soft that’s exactly how you want them. Don’t wait for the whole cookie to look done, or they’ll end up over baked.
While those bake, make the glaze.
- In a small saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and a bit of water. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the sugar mostly dissolves and the glaze looks smooth. Turn off the heat and stir in a little vanilla.
Glaze the cookies.
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven while they’re still hot brush the tops generously with the warm glaze. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes so the glaze can soak in a bit, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie Recipe
Calories: ~145 | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sugar: 11g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: ~130mgHi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.