Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Kentucky Butter Cake, transforming the rich, buttery flavors into soft, tender cookies. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of a cake mix base, and they are finished with a sweet, buttery glaze that soaks into the cookies, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re a fan of the classic cake or just looking for a new cookie recipe to try, these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box white cake mix: The base of these cookies, providing a soft and fluffy texture with minimal effort.
- 2 eggs, whisked: The eggs add structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- 1/3 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to the cookies’ buttery flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter: Melted to create the rich, buttery glaze that soaks into the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps create a slightly crunchy top as it cools.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps to thin the glaze slightly so it can be easily poured over the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth. The dough will be fairly thick, similar to cookie dough.
- If you prefer, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the dough for extra flavor.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Lightly press down on each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This will help the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still be soft but not doughy.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as you want them to remain soft and tender. The cookies will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Continue to stir until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will allow them to firm up slightly so they can hold the glaze.
- While the cookies are still warm, use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cookies. Be generous with the glaze, allowing it to soak into the cookies and create a rich, buttery flavor.
- If you like, you can poke a few small holes in the tops of the cookies with a toothpick before glazing. This will help the glaze soak in even more.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the glazed cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack. As they cool, the glaze will set, creating a slightly crisp, sugary topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.
- Once cooled, transfer the cookies to an airtight container for storage. These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, but they probably won’t last that long!
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing the dough. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and results in a better texture for the cookies.
- Optional Add-Ins: For an extra twist, you can add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough before baking. These additions can complement the buttery flavor of the cookies.
- Piping the Glaze: If you prefer a more controlled application, you can pour the glaze into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off and drizzle it over the cookies in a decorative pattern.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are a simple yet decadent treat that captures all the buttery goodness of the classic cake in a portable, easy-to-make form. The combination of a tender cookie base and a sweet, buttery glaze makes these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or on their own for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth!
