Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Mix are a deliciously soft and tender treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich cream cheese base and a sweet cakey texture, they come together quickly and easily, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
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 softened cream cheese until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for best results.
- Step 2: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, blending until you achieve a smooth, consistent dough. The mixture may be thick but mix thoroughly to incorporate all dry ingredients.
- 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 step firms up the dough for easier handling.
- Step 4: Remove the chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball first in festive sprinkles, then coat completely with powdered sugar by dipping and rolling them in a bowl of powdered sugar.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the center remains soft.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful holiday cookies!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute yellow cake mix with funfetti or white cake mix for a colorful twist.
- For extra gooeyness, avoid overbaking—watch the edges closely and remove from oven as soon as they turn slightly golden.
- Try rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar instead of sprinkles for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or let come to room temperature before serving to restore their gooey texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use other flavors or types of cake mix like funfetti, white, or even chocolate to customize the taste of your cookies.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape. It also helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
PrintQuick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Mix offer a delightfully soft and rich treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Combining the tangy cream cheese with moist yellow cake mix, these cookies are coated with festive sprinkles and powdered sugar for a sweet, festive finish. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, they make a perfect cozy dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
For the 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 of softened cream cheese until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for best results.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients bowl. Continue blending until all ingredients are fully incorporated and a smooth, consistent dough forms. The dough will be thick but manageable.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into small balls roughly 1 inch in diameter. First, roll each ball in festive sprinkles to evenly coat, then dip and roll each in powdered sugar until fully covered.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to retain gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- You can use any flavor of yellow cake mix, but classic vanilla works best.
- For festive occasions, use colorful holiday sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to one week.
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake mix cookies, holiday cookies, cream cheese cookies, festive cookies, easy cookies, quick cookies
