Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Discover the irresistible fusion of classic Kentucky Butter Cake flavors in cookie form! These cookies offer a delightful twist on a beloved dessert, combining rich buttery goodness with a touch of homemade charm. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine cake mix, eggs, and melted butter in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed (dough will be thick).
  3. Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet using a medium-sized cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon.
  4. Bake for 7-8 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Glaze

  1. Combine butter, sugar, water, and vanilla in a small saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until sugar dissolves (about 4 minutes).
  3. Spoon a teaspoon of glaze over each cookie, spreading if needed.
  4. Let glaze set, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve these Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies as a delightful dessert alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
  • They make a wonderful addition to dessert platters for parties or gatherings.

Storage Tips:

  • Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Freezing: To extend their shelf life, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Thawing: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving, or briefly warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Variations :

  • Chocolate Twist:
    • Ingredients: Substitute chocolate cake mix for the white cake mix. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
    • Instructions: Follow the original recipe, mixing in the chocolate chips with the dough. Proceed with baking and glazing as directed.
  • Lemon Zest Delight:
    • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Variation: Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract in the glaze for a zesty twist.
  • Nutty Crunch:
    • Ingredients: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor.
  • Spiced Maple Version:
    • Ingredients: Substitute 1/3 cup of maple syrup for the melted butter in the cookie dough. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
    • Glaze Adjustment: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar in the glaze mixture. Add a dash of maple extract for extra flavor.
  • Coconut Dream:
    • Ingredients: Mix 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Replace water with coconut milk in the glaze mixture. Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top after glazing.
  • Orange Blossom:
    • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Variation: Replace vanilla extract with orange extract in the glaze. Garnish with a twist of orange zest on top.
  • Almond Bliss:
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cookie dough. Top each cookie with a whole almond before baking.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract in the glaze for a nutty flavor boost.
  • Raspberry Delight:
    • Ingredients: Mix in 1/2 cup of freeze-dried raspberries, crushed into small pieces, into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Variation: Add a few drops of raspberry extract to the glaze for a fruity twist.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Crunch:
    • Ingredients: Mix 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Adjustment: Omit the glaze and instead, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking.
  • Double Chocolate Indulgence:
    • Ingredients: Substitute chocolate cake mix for the white cake mix. Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies instead of using the glaze.
  • Peanut Butter Lover’s Variation:
    • Ingredients: Mix 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Adjustment: Substitute vanilla extract with peanut butter extract in the glaze. Optionally, top each cookie with a peanut butter chip before baking.
  • Maple Pecan Twist:
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the cookie dough. Substitute 1/3 cup of maple syrup for the melted butter.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract in the glaze. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top after glazing.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch:
    • Ingredients: Mix in 1/2 cup of caramel bits or chopped caramel candies into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Drizzle each cookie with melted caramel and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top.
  • Coffee Toffee Treat:
    • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules or espresso powder to the cookie dough. Mix in 1/2 cup of toffee bits.
    • Glaze Variation: Use coffee-flavored glaze by replacing water with brewed coffee in the glaze mixture.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip:
    • Ingredients: Substitute chocolate cake mix for the white cake mix. Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Adjustment: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract in the glaze. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top after glazing.
  • Gingerbread Spice:
    • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Enhancement: Replace vanilla extract with molasses in the glaze. Dust with powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon after glazing.
  • Coconut Lime Surprise:
    • Ingredients: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1 tablespoon of lime zest into the cookie dough.
    • Glaze Variation: Substitute water with fresh lime juice in the glaze. Garnish with additional lime zest on top.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor for these cookies?
    • Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with flavors like chocolate, lemon, or even strawberry for unique cookie variations.
  2. How do I ensure my cookies turn out soft and chewy?
    • Be sure not to overbake them. Remove from the oven when the edges are lightly golden, and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
  3. Can I freeze these cookies?
    • Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  4. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
    • You can use a heaping tablespoon to scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet instead.
  5. Can I skip the glaze or use a different topping?
    • Yes, you can skip the glaze or experiment with toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles.
  6. How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny or thick?
    • Adjust the cooking time when making the glaze and ensure you whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves to achieve the desired consistency.
  7. Can I substitute margarine or oil for butter in this recipe?
    • While you can substitute margarine or oil, it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies compared to using butter.
  8. What if my dough is too dry or too sticky?
    • Adjust by adding a little more melted butter if the dough is too dry, or sprinkle in a bit more cake mix if it’s too sticky until you achieve the right consistency.
  9. How can I add a decorative touch to these cookies for special occasions?
    • Use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking or drizzle colored icing over the glaze for a festive look.
  10. Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?
    • Yes, you can bake these cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Enjoy these delicious Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite! Perfect for any occasion, these buttery treats are sure to please.