Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are delightfully soft and rich, perfect for any occasion. With a simple mix of cream cheese, cake mix, and butter, they come together quickly and offer irresistible gooeyness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, and cream cheese until fluffy and well combined. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Step 2: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Blend until you get a smooth, consistent dough. The mixture may be thick—keep mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This firms up the dough for easier handling.
- Step 4: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Roll into 1-inch balls. If using, first roll each ball in festive sprinkles, then dip in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned, taking care not to overbake.
- Step 6: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your gooey, festive treats!
Tips & Variations
- Try using different cake mix flavors like chocolate or spice for varied tastes.
- For extra gooeyness, don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft and slightly underdone in the center.
- Roll cookies only in powdered sugar if you prefer a simpler coating without sprinkles.
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened for easy mixing and smooth dough.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore their gooey texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes! You can substitute any boxed cake mix flavor such as chocolate, spice, or white cake to customize your cookies.
Do I have to roll the cookies in sprinkles?
No, the sprinkles are optional for decoration. You can skip them and roll the dough balls only in powdered sugar for a simple, classic version.
Print
Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
Quick Gooey Butter Cookies made with yellow cake mix offer a soft, buttery texture with a sweet cream cheese base, finished with a festive coating of sprinkles and powdered sugar. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you crave a deliciously gooey treat.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
Coating
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 8 ounces softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the entire package of yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent dough. The dough will be thick but ensure all dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to shape.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Roll it into small 1-inch diameter balls. For each ball, roll first in festive sprinkles for an even coating, then dip and roll in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly browned, being careful not to overbake.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your gooey, festive cookies!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to make dough handling easier.
- Use festive sprinkles to add seasonal color and texture; these can be omitted if preferred.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft and gooey inside with lightly browned edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet initially to help them set before transferring to a cooling rack.
- You can substitute yellow cake mix with other cake flavors for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday cookies, easy dessert
