Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are soft, buttery treats that come together in no time. These cookies are perfectly sweet and slightly tangy from cream cheese, making them a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion.
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 the mixture is fluffy and well combined. You can 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 have a smooth, consistent dough. The mixture may be thick, but continue 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: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in festive sprinkles, then 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.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Try using different cake mix flavors like chocolate or red velvet for fun variations.
- If you prefer, skip the sprinkles and just roll the dough balls in powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to ensure smooth mixing.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls or the baked cookies wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat baked cookies slightly in the microwave or enjoy them chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, feel free to experiment with chocolate, red velvet, or any other cake mix to customize the flavor of your cookies.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important as it firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Print
Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake mix are a festive, easy-to-make treat that combines soft cream cheese and butter with a classic yellow cake mix to create irresistibly moist and flavorful cookies. Coated in powdered sugar and optional holiday sprinkles for a delightful crunch and festive look, these cookies bake quickly and are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime sweet cravings strike.
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 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.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Continue mixing until a smooth, consistent dough forms. 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 refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. First, roll each ball in festive sprinkles for an even coating, then dip and roll in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your 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 or until the cookie edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your festive, gooey butter cookies!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better cookie texture.
- Use a light hand when baking to avoid overdone cookies; they should remain soft and gooey inside.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch perfect for holidays or celebrations.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Any flavor of cake mix can be used, but yellow cake mix offers a classic buttery flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake mix cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive cookies
