Soft, buttery, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze—these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are pure comfort in every bite. They have the same rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor as the classic Southern butter cake but in a handheld, cookie form. They’re ridiculously easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
I love a good shortcut in the kitchen, and using a cake mix as the base for these cookies makes the process so simple without sacrificing flavor. The dough comes together in minutes, and the glaze adds that signature buttery sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.
These cookies are perfect for holiday trays, afternoon treats, or just because you’re craving something homemade. They stay soft for days and taste even better the next day as the flavors settle in.
If you’re a fan of buttery desserts with a hint of nostalgia, this recipe is for you. Let’s get baking!
Short Description
These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies take the rich, buttery flavor of the classic cake and transform it into a soft, chewy cookie topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Quick, easy, and impossible to resist!
Key Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vanilla
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Medium-sized cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk for glaze
- Cooling rack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms. (Don’t worry if it seems denser than typical cookie dough—that’s normal!)
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Using a medium-sized cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft.
Step 4: Cool the Cookies
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, sugar, water, and vanilla. Whisk continuously for about 4 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Glaze the Cookies
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of glaze over each cookie. Use the back of the spoon to spread it if needed. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 7: Optional Final Touch
For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cookies with powdered sugar once the glaze has set.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make – Only a handful of ingredients and no fancy techniques required!
Rich and buttery – Just like the classic cake but in a soft, chewy cookie form.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for holiday trays, parties, or an everyday treat.
Quick to bake – Done in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Dough too sticky? – If the dough is sticking to your hands, chill it for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
2. Overbaking the cookies? – These should stay soft and slightly underbaked when you take them out. They’ll set as they cool.
3. Glaze too thick or grainy? – Keep whisking while heating to dissolve the sugar fully. If it thickens too much, add a tiny splash of water.
4. Cookies spreading too much? – Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing. Hot butter can make the dough too loose.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
– Serve as a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream.
– Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
– Crumble over Greek yogurt for a fun breakfast twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Not necessary, but they’ll last up to a week if chilled.
Freezing: Freeze cookies (before glazing) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding glaze.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their soft texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Yellow cake mix works well if you want a richer, more buttery taste.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cookies a day in advance, but wait to glaze them until just before serving.
3. How do I make them extra soft?
Avoid overbaking—these cookies should be slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch. The texture may be slightly different.
5. Why does my glaze look separated?
Make sure you’re stirring continuously as it heats. If it separates, whisk vigorously to bring it back together.
Tips & Tricks
– For an even richer flavor, use browned butter in the dough instead of regular melted butter.
– Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle, nutty twist.
– Drizzle extra glaze on top right before serving for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
– If you like a crispier cookie, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Butter Cake Cookies: Swap the vanilla for lemon extract, and add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough.
Chocolate Butter Cake Cookies: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white for a fudgy twist.
Maple Butter Cake Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract and add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, fall-inspired version.
Nutty Butter Cake Cookies: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are proof that sometimes, simple recipes make the best treats. They’re soft, buttery, and full of vanilla flavor, with that irresistible glaze that soaks in just enough to create the perfect texture. I love how they bring all the cozy flavors of a classic butter cake into an easy-to-make cookie.
They also happen to be incredibly versatile. Dress them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, add a touch of citrus to the glaze, or even swap vanilla for almond extract for a different twist. However you make them, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.
So next time you need a quick and delicious dessert, give these a try. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- water
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter until a thick dough forms.
- Scoop and bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 7-8 minutes until set but still soft.
- Cool the cookies: Let them rest on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together butter, sugar, water, and vanilla for 4 minutes until smooth.
- Glaze the cookies: Spoon 1 teaspoon of glaze over each cookie, spreading gently if needed. Let it set for a few minutes.
- Optional final touch: Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness before serving.