Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Imagine the cozy, rich flavor of a buttery Southern cake transformé into a soft golden cookie. That is exactly what these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies deliver. They are moist, sweet, and packed with warm vanilla butter flavor. The best part is that they start with a simple cake mix and come together in less than thirty minutes. If you are looking for a no-fuss dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, you are in the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies have everything you love in a dessert. They are buttery, tender, and topped with a warm vanilla glaze that melts right in.

They are quick and easy to make with basic pantry ingredients.

They have a soft and pillowy texture that stays fresh for days.

They are inspired by the famous Kentucky butter cake but reimagined in the most snackable way.

They are perfect for holidays, cozy weekends, or sweet gifts for friends and neighbors.

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies require just a few simple ingredients, but the results are incredible.

White cake mix serves as the perfect shortcut base with consistent texture and flavor.

Eggs give the dough structure and help everything bind together.

Melted butter adds rich flavor and softness to every bite.

For the glaze

Butter brings richness and helps the glaze soak into the cookie.

Granulated sugar sweetens the glaze and forms that glossy finish.

Water helps dissolve the sugar smoothly.

Vanilla extract adds that signature comforting flavor.

Note that you can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below this article.

How to Make the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter. The dough will be thick and that is totally normal.

Step 2: Scoop and bake

Use a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon to scoop the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for seven to eight minutes until the edges are set and the centers still look soft. Let the cookies rest on the tray for four to five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the glaze

While the cookies are cooling, combine butter, sugar, water, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Whisk continuously for about four minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth and shiny.

Step 4: Glaze the cookies

Spoon about one teaspoon of warm glaze over each cookie. Let it soak in gently and spread it out if needed. Once the glaze sets, sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Take the cookies out of the oven while they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They will finish baking on the sheet and stay super soft.

Glaze them while they are still warm so it can soak in and lock in all that buttery goodness.

Add a small splash of almond extract to the glaze for a twist.

Use parchment paper for even baking and easier cleanup.

If you want smaller cookies, use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time by one minute.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.

They look beautiful on dessert trays and holiday platters.

Serve them warm or at room temperature.

You can even wrap a few in a gift bag with ribbon for an easy and delicious homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing leftovers

Once the glaze is fully set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to three days.

Freezing

Bake the cookies but hold off on glazing. Let them cool and freeze in a freezer safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.

Reheating

You do not need to reheat them, but if you want them slightly warm, microwave one cookie for about six seconds.

FAQs

Can I use yellow cake mix instead of white
Yes you can. It will add a deeper buttery flavor and still work beautifully in this recipe.

Do I really need to glaze them
The glaze is what makes them special. It adds moisture and that signature Kentucky butter cake taste. So try not to skip it.

Does the glaze harden
Yes. Once cooled, the glaze forms a thin crackly layer that gives the cookies a shiny and sweet finish.

Can I make these ahead of time
Absolutely. Bake the cookies a day or two ahead and glaze them just before serving for the best texture.

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with sweet vanilla flavor. They are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you are baking for a celebration or just because, this recipe is one you will come back to again and again. Go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it.