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
Scale
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
