Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. These cookies are easy to make, full of rich flavor, and perfect for any occasion, from dessert platters to afternoon tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Buttery: Inspired by the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, these cookies are indulgently delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as a thoughtful gift.
- Versatile: Enjoy plain or topped with a drizzle of glaze and powdered sugar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package of premium white cake mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to portion the dough. Roll into balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes. The cookies should be soft in the center and lightly golden on the edges.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth (about 4-5 minutes).
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar:
- Once the glaze is set, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 16 cookies
Variations
- Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract in the glaze with lemon juice.
- Spiced Option: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top the cookies with melted dark or white chocolate for a fancy touch.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of white?
Yes, yellow cake mix works well and adds a richer flavor.
2. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and moisture.
3. How can I make the glaze thicker?
Reduce the water slightly or let the glaze cool before applying for a thicker consistency.
4. Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Yes, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or toffee bits for added texture.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
7. Can I use salted butter?
If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.
8. What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?
Use a spoon or transfer the glaze to a piping bag for a more controlled drizzle.
9. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, bake the cookies a day ahead and glaze them just before serving for the best texture.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should remain soft but set.
Conclusion
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the beloved butter cake, offering all the same buttery, sweet flavors in a convenient cookie form. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible glaze, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Try them for your next dessert craving or special occasion!
Print- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft and buttery cake mix cookies with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. A quick and easy treat perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) premium white cake mix
- 2 large eggs, thoroughly beaten
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and uniform.
- Shape and Bake Cookies:
- Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over each one. Allow the glaze to set before proceeding.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar:
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a final touch.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Optional Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze for a nutty flavor twist.
- Presentation Tip: For a decorative finish, use a piping bag to drizzle the glaze evenly.
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