Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies – Soft, Buttery, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Good

If you love the rich, tender crumb of Kentucky Butter Cake, you’re going to fall hard for these cookies. With golden edges, a soft center, and a buttery glaze that soaks into every bite, these cookies are pure comfort in dessert form. They capture everything that’s special about the classic Southern cake—but in an easier, portable, and portion-controlled way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery Bliss – Each cookie is soaked in a silky glaze for maximum flavor.
Cake Meets Cookie – All the texture of a cookie with the soul of a butter cake.
Perfectly Portioned – Satisfies sweet cravings without going overboard.
Great for Sharing – These cookies travel well and make sweet gifts.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 box sugar-free yellow cake mix
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp light butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 2 tbsp light butter
• 2 tbsp water
• ¼ cup powdered erythritol (or preferred sweetener)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, applesauce, light butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Shape and Bake
Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft. Let cookies cool slightly on the pan.

4. Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt butter with water over low heat. Stir in sweetener and vanilla. Once dissolved and slightly thickened, remove from heat.

5. Glaze the Cookies
While cookies are still warm, brush each one generously with the butter glaze. Allow the glaze to soak in and set before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 95
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake – Remove the cookies when the centers are still soft for the best texture.
• Glaze While Warm – Warm cookies absorb the glaze more evenly and richly.
• Perfect for Gifting – These cookies stay moist and flavorful for days—ideal for boxes or tins.
• Flavor Twist – Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for a unique spin.

Why This Recipe Works

Using a cake mix cuts down on prep time while keeping the cookies soft and flavorful. The applesauce lightens the texture, and the buttery glaze infuses each bite with rich, nostalgic flavor. It’s a classic reimagined into a shareable, satisfying cookie that doesn’t weigh you down.

These Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly sweetened—just like the traditional cake but easier to make and easier to enjoy in moderation. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, they deliver warm Southern flavor in every bite.