The Best Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Whipping up a kentucky butter cake cookies batch promises pure dessert magic that melts in your mouth.

Soft, pillowy textures promise delightful comfort with every single bite.

Sweet memories of childhood rush back through these delectable treats.

Nostalgic flavors blend classic cake characteristics with convenient cookie dimensions.

Buttery richness creates an irresistible experience that beckons everyone to the kitchen.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a memorable sweet sensation.

Savor each crumbly, moist morsel and let deliciousness reign supreme.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Highlights

• Craft Incredibly Quickly: Prepare these delightful Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies in mere minutes with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using a simple white cake mix as the base, these cookies demand just a few pantry staples, making spontaneous baking sessions a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Guaranteed to win hearts at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers with their rich buttery flavor and irresistible sweet glaze.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Adaptable for various occasions from casual snacking to elegant dessert tables, these cookies offer a delectable twist on traditional cake flavors.

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• White Cake Mix: A convenient blend that provides the foundational flavor and texture for the cookies.
• Eggs: These act as a binding agent to hold the cookie dough together and contribute to the rich texture.
• Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and depth of flavor to the cookie dough.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Water, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients combine to create a sweet, glossy coating that enhances the cookie's flavor and appearance.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, sweet dusting that adds visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness to the cookies.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of cookies from the baking sheet and prevents sticking.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Set the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and smooth baking process.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

• White cake mix
• Beaten eggs
• Melted butter

Mix everything together until the dough looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to create uniform dough balls.

Place each cookie drop on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 7-8 minutes. The cookies should look soft when you pull them out – they’ll continue firming up while cooling.

Step 5: Initial Cooling Process

Let the cookies rest directly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Craft the Glaze

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Heat on medium-low, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture looks smooth (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 7: Glaze the Cookies

Once cookies are cool, drizzle the warm glaze over each cookie.

Allow the glaze to set and harden.

Step 8: Final Sparkle

Dust the glazed cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Swap cake mix brands carefully to maintain the original texture and flavor profile of these delightful cookies.
• Ensure butter is completely melted but not scorched for the smoothest cookie dough consistency.
• Cool cookies on the baking sheet for exactly 5 minutes to prevent breaking and maintain their delicate structure.
• Drizzle glaze when cookies are completely cool to achieve the perfect glossy finish without making them soggy.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste.

Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Lover's Adaptation: Swap white cake mix for chocolate cake mix and add cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor profile that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
• Healthier Alternative: Use whole wheat cake mix and substitute part of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce overall fat content while maintaining moisture and texture.
• Vegan Transformation: Create egg replacements using mashed bananas or commercial egg substitutes, and use plant-based butter alternatives to craft a completely dairy-free and egg-free cookie option.

Best Pairings with Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Match these sweet cookies with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that balances the buttery richness and cuts through the sugary glaze. The coffee's slight acidity will brighten the dessert's dense texture.
• Pair with a small scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the cake-like cookie's warm, nostalgic flavor profile. The cold, smooth ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast.
• Enjoy with a chilled glass of sweet Moscato or Riesling, which complements the cookie's buttery sweetness. The wine's light, fruity notes will dance perfectly with the powdered sugar and glaze.

Storage Tips for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

• Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power to restore softness. Check frequently to avoid overheating and maintain texture.
• Oven Refresh: Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, place cookies on baking sheet, and warm for 2-3 minutes to revive their original texture and bring back the delightful buttery flavor.

FAQs

• What makes the cake mix different in this cookie recipe?

The cake mix provides a soft, tender texture and simplifies the cookie-making process, eliminating the need to measure multiple dry ingredients separately.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or eliminate any additional salt in the recipe to maintain the proper flavor balance.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.

• Is it necessary to use a cookie scoop for this recipe?

While not mandatory, a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie size and even baking. If you don’t have one, use a tablespoon to portion the dough consistently.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Kentucky butter cake cookies combine classic Southern dessert flavors in an irresistible cookie form. Warm spices and rich buttery notes create a nostalgic treat craved by cookie enthusiasts everywhere.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package premium white cake mix
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs (thoroughly beaten)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cake mix, eggs, and melted butter until a smooth, uniform dough forms.
3. Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
4. Bake for 7-8 minutes, ensuring cookies remain soft and slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set while cooling.
5. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
6. Create the glaze by combining butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes smooth, approximately 4-5 minutes.
7. Once cookies are fully cooled, generously drizzle the warm glaze over each cookie, allowing it to cover the surface evenly.
8. Finish by dusting the glazed cookies with a light layer of powdered sugar, adding a delicate sweetness and elegant appearance.

Notes

• Always use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and better incorporation into the cake mix for consistent cookie texture.
• If the dough seems too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before scooping to make handling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or replacing vanilla with rum extract in the glaze for a unique twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg