Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are simple to make and irresistibly soft and flavorful. Combining a soft cream cheese dough with a sweet yellow cake mix, they create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Finished with festive sprinkles and powdered sugar, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
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. 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. Mix until you have a smooth, consistent dough, even if it feels thick.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps firm it up, making it easier to handle.
- Step 4: Remove the chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in festive sprinkles, then dip and coat completely in powdered sugar.
- Step 5: 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, until edges are lightly browned but cookies remain soft.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a different flavor, try using other cake mix varieties like chocolate or red velvet instead of yellow.
- Chilling the dough longer helps prevent spreading and makes rolling easier.
- Use light-colored sprinkles to make the powdered sugar coating more visible and festive.
- Handle the dough gently to keep the cookies soft and gooey after baking.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cream cheese?
Yes, full-fat cream cheese works best for the right texture and flavor, but reduced-fat versions can be used though may slightly affect softness and richness.
Do I have to use sprinkles in the coating?
No, the sprinkles are optional and add a festive touch. You can simply roll the dough balls in powdered sugar for a classic look and taste.
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 are soft, buttery, and perfect for the holiday season. These cookies combine cream cheese and butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, rolled in festive sprinkles and powdered sugar to add a sweet, decorative touch. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a delightful treat for cookie swaps, celebrations, or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 ounces)
- 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 butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 8 ounces 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 package of yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix continuously until you achieve a smooth, consistent dough. The dough will be somewhat thick but ensure all dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate 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 dough from the fridge and roll it into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. First, roll each ball in festive sprinkles for an even coating. Then dip and roll them 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 edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your holiday treat!
Notes
- Softened cream cheese and butter make mixing easier and ensure a smooth dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential for shaping and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use festive sprinkles for a seasonal touch, but they are optional.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and gooey inside.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For even coating, roll dough balls first in sprinkles, then powdered sugar immediately after.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake mix cookies, holiday cookies, cream cheese cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive cookies, soft cookies
