🍪 Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies 😋😍 – Rich, Buttery, and Totally Irresistible

If you’ve ever tasted the old-fashioned magic of Kentucky Butter Cake, then you’re going to fall head-over-heels for its adorable, cookie-sized cousin: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies. These cookies are soft, rich, and dripping with a silky butter glaze that melts into the tops, creating a decadent dessert that tastes like something straight from a Southern bakery.

They’re quick to whip up, use simple pantry ingredients, and have that perfect balance of soft texture, buttery flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. Topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are stunning enough for a holiday tray but easy enough for everyday indulgence.

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🧾 Ingredients – From Box to Bakery-Quality

You don’t need to bake from scratch to get buttery, bakery-quality cookies. This recipe starts with a box of white cake mix, making it fast and foolproof, but ends with a rich, homemade glaze that takes it to the next level.

For the Cookies:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 2 eggs, whisked
• ⅓ cup butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

📝 Optional Finish: A dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies look as pretty as they taste!

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies – Step by Step

These cookies are incredibly easy to make and bake. The dough comes together in minutes, and the buttery glaze adds that nostalgic, cake-like flavor that sets them apart.

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🍪 Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect bottoms.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter. Stir until the dough is fully mixed. It will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want!

🍴 Tip: Use a sturdy spatula or clean hands to incorporate everything. No mixer needed!

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium-sized cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, portion the dough into balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 7–8 minutes until the cookies are just set. They should still be soft in the center.

Let them cool on the cookie sheet for 4–5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Repeat until all the dough is used.

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✨ Glaze:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a small saucepan, combine:

• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. This takes about 4 minutes—don’t let it boil, just melt.

Step 2: Spoon Over Cookies

Using a spoon, drizzle 1 teaspoon of glaze over each cookie, spreading gently to cover the tops.

Let the glaze soak in and set, creating a glossy, buttery finish.

💡 Optional: Once the glaze is set, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful and sweet finishing touch.

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🕒 Baking Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 7–8 minutes per batch
• Glazing Time: 5–10 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes
• Yields: ~24 cookies, depending on size

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🧊 Storage Tips

These cookies keep well and are ideal for gifting or baking ahead:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate (optional): For a firmer glaze, chill and serve cold.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cookies (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies offer everything you want in a cookie:

• ✅ Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• ✅ Quick to make with a cake mix shortcut
• ✅ Glossy, rich glaze for extra flavor
• ✅ Easy to customize for holidays or parties
• ✅ Gorgeous presentation with powdered sugar finish

They’re elegant, yet easy. Sweet, but not too sweet. And best of all? You only need one bowl and no fancy tools!

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🎉 Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for:

• Holiday dessert trays
• Bake sales or cookie swaps
• Gift tins wrapped with ribbon
• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
• Brunches, showers, or weddings

Want to make them extra fancy? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce!

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💡 Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun twists you can try:

• Lemon Glaze: Replace vanilla with lemon extract and add lemon zest for brightness
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans to the dough or sprinkle over the glaze
• Coconut Topping: Sprinkle sweetened coconut over the glaze for texture
• Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle melted chocolate on top for contrast

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💬 What Readers Are Saying

“These are dangerously good! I made them for a party and they were GONE in minutes!”
– Jessica T.

“The glaze takes them over the top. I added almond extract and it was perfect!”
– Monica D.

“So simple and SO delicious. My new favorite cookie recipe!”
– Rachel G.

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📌 Final Thoughts: One Cookie You’ll Make Over and Over

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s easy to make, bursting with rich, buttery flavor, and looks like it came from a boutique bakery, these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are it.

They’re soft, sweet, and glazed with love—every bite tastes like a warm, cozy hug. Whether you’re baking for your family, a holiday gathering, or just to treat yourself on a Tuesday, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So grab that cake mix, melt some butter, and start scooping. These cookies are calling your name!

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