Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Buttery Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies – Easy Recipe

by

A decadently soft cookie infused with buttery goodness and a rich vanilla glaze. This recipe brings the classic Kentucky Butter Cake to your fingertips in the form of irresistible cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 package (15.25 ounces) premium white cake mix
  • 2 large eggs, thoroughly beaten
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

For the Butter Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional but recommended)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt.
  2. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and sticky, resembling a cookie batter more than a typical cake mix.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

  1. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop uniform mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.
  2. If desired, lightly dampen your hands to smooth the tops of the cookie dough mounds for a more uniform shape.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes.
  2. The cookies should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Avoid overbaking for a tender and buttery texture.

Step 5: Cool the Cookies

  1. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to finish setting without becoming dry.
  2. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Prepare the Butter Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the granulated sugar and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture turns smooth and glossy. Do not let the glaze boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, buttery glaze.

Step 7: Glaze the Cookies

  1. Place the cooled cookies on a wire rack set over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any glaze drips.
  2. Using a spoon, drizzle the warm glaze generously over the tops of each cookie. Let the glaze seep into the cookies for that iconic Kentucky Butter Cake flavor.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

  1. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes. For extra sweetness and a touch of elegance, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar.
  2. Transfer to a serving plate or airtight container for storage.

Pro Tips:

  • Flavor Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of bourbon extract to the glaze for an optional Southern twist (if alcohol extracts are okay for you).
  • Storing: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheating Glaze: If the glaze begins to harden while working, gently reheat it over low heat.

Nutritional Information

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🍪 Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
  • 🔥 Calories: Approx. 150 kcal per cookie
  • 🍽️ Yield: 16 cookies

Enjoy these buttery, rich cookies inspired by the iconic Kentucky Butter Cake. Perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or any day that calls for a sweet treat.

Leave a Comment