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
Scale
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
