Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich, and packed with a delightful burst of sprinkles that add both color and fun. These buttery treats combine cream cheese and cake mix for a wonderfully tender texture that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix so the color of the sprinkles doesn’t bleed into the dough.
5. Step 5: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. Step 6: Scoop out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Tips & Variations

• Use festive sprinkles to match the season or swap them for chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Chilling the dough longer can help prevent spreading during baking, keeping the cookies thick and soft.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract with the vanilla.

Storage

Store Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, changing the cake mix flavor can add a unique twist. Chocolate or funfetti cake mix both work well with this recipe.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich, and delightfully sweet treats featuring a creamy cream cheese and butter base combined with yellow cake mix and festive holiday sprinkles. These cookies have a slightly chewy center with a powdered sugar coating, perfect for holiday celebrations or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles

Coating

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick, cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated but not overmixed.
4. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles carefully to avoid bleeding the colors into the dough and to maintain the festive appearance.
5. Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, which will make it firmer and easier to handle and shape.
6. Form Cookie Balls: Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft and gooey.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set without breaking.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened for smooth mixing and best texture.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes it easier to handle.
• Do not overbake; the centers should remain slightly soft for that gooey texture.
• You can use any color or themed sprinkles to suit different occasions.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Gooey Butter Cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday cookies, sprinkle cookies, soft cookies