Name: Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; 2 eggs, whisked; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup butter (for glaze); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for glaze); 1 tbsp water (for glaze); 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze); Powdered sugar, for garnish

Why You’ll Love Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

These cookies are everything you love about a buttery pound cake but in handheld cookie form. They’re incredibly moist thanks to the cake mix base and buttery glaze, and their soft texture is balanced with a slightly crisp edge. The glaze sets beautifully on top, adding extra sweetness and a glossy finish. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or a cozy dessert at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter. Mix until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick.
Use a medium cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon to scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 7–8 minutes, then remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for 4–5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
While cookies cool, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla. Whisk continuously for about 4 minutes until the sugar has dissolved.
Spoon about a teaspoon of the glaze over each warm cookie and spread gently if needed.
Let the glaze set, then sprinkle cookies lightly with powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes per batch
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy punch.
Almond Flavor: Swap the vanilla extract in the glaze for almond extract for a nutty twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the glaze sets, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note.
Festive Touch: Add colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets for a holiday vibe.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, let cookies come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for about 5–10 seconds.

FAQs

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should look set on the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I use yellow cake mix instead of white?

Yes, yellow cake mix can be used and will give the cookies a richer, deeper flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

You can use a heaping tablespoon to portion out the dough.

Is it necessary to glaze the cookies?

While optional, the glaze adds the signature buttery sweetness that makes these cookies extra special.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to soften slightly before scooping.

Why is my glaze grainy?

The sugar may not have fully dissolved. Make sure to cook the glaze over medium-low heat and whisk continuously.

Can I freeze the glazed cookies?

Yes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a container. Thaw at room temperature.

Do these cookies spread much while baking?

Not much. They hold their shape fairly well, so a gentle flattening of the dough balls can help if you want a flatter cookie.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch.

How should I sprinkle the powdered sugar?

Use a fine-mesh sieve to lightly dust the sugar over the glazed cookies once the glaze has fully set.

Conclusion

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic, bringing the rich, buttery flavor of traditional cake into a fun, shareable cookie form. With a simple ingredient list and quick prep time, they’re ideal for any baking occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh or save a batch for later, these cookies are sure to impress.