Indulge in the pillowy softness of these Gooey Butter Cookies, inspired by the classic dessert. With a creamy blend of butter and cream cheese, each bite offers melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s sweetened to perfection and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Simple yet irresistible, these cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of yellow cake and vanilla to your table in a deliciously bite-sized form. They’re perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday treat, or a special homemade gift.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these Gooey Butter Cookies are a breeze to make. With just a handful of ingredients, they promise big flavors in no time.

Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

Cream Cheese: The creamy backbone of these cookies, bringing a smooth texture and a touch of tang that balances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery base, ensuring each cookie has that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Egg: A binder that gives structure and a soft lift, holding the flavors together harmoniously.
Vanilla Extract: A warm, aromatic hint that enhances the cookie’s depth and complements the buttery goodness.
Yellow Cake Mix: The signature ingredient that infuses a nostalgic, cake-like sweetness, creating that irresistible gooey texture.

Gooey Butter Cookies: Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ

These Gooey Butter Cookies deliver a soft, rich texture and a sweet, buttery flavor that’s impossible to resist. To help you make the best batch, here are some practical tips, serving ideas, and answers to common questions about this delightful recipe.

Recipe Tips

Achieve Perfect Texture with Chilled Dough:
For the ideal gooey, soft texture, try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and coat in confectioners’ sugar without sticking. Plus, slightly chilled dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much, giving them that signature thick, pillowy texture. If your kitchen is warm, don’t skip this step!
Coat Generously in Confectioners’ Sugar:
Roll each cookie dough ball in confectioners’ sugar for an even, powdery coating that caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding a beautiful crackled effect. For extra sweetness and visual appeal, double-coat the dough by rolling the balls a second time in sugar right before baking. This ensures a perfect sweet crust to contrast with the soft, gooey inside.
Avoid Overbaking for Maximum Gooeyness:
The key to these cookies is a slightly underbaked center that retains a gooey consistency. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the edges just start to set and the tops are puffed but not browned. Overbaking can result in a drier texture, so be sure to check early. Remember, the cookies will firm up slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

What to Serve with Gooey Butter Cookies

Warm Beverage Pairings:
These cookies pair beautifully with a cozy cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a spiced tea. The warm, creamy flavors of these beverages complement the rich, buttery notes of the cookies, making them perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat or a sweet finale to a holiday meal.
Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Transform these cookies into delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or caramel-flavored ice cream between two cookies. The combination of gooey cookies and creamy ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven, perfect for a special occasion or a fun twist on a classic treat.
Fruit Compote or Fresh Berries:
Balance the cookies’ sweetness with a serving of tangy berry compote or fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The fruity acidity complements the richness of the butter and cream cheese, adding a refreshing contrast that brings out the cookies’ best flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix offers a classic taste, you can experiment with other flavors like lemon, chocolate, or spice cake mix for a unique twist. Each flavor brings a new dimension to these cookies.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to let the dough soften slightly before rolling it into balls and coating it with confectioners’ sugar.
Why are my cookies not as gooey?
Overbaking is the most common reason for less gooey cookies. Try reducing the bake time slightly or check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Baking for just 10-13 minutes typically achieves the best gooey texture.

These tips and suggestions will help you create the best Gooey Butter Cookies every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving styles to make this recipe truly your own!

Gooey Butter Cookies

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Cookies

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 15.25 ounce package yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter softened
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a shallow bowl by filling it with confectioners’ sugar.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the cake mix, stirring until a thick, cohesive dough forms. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll each ball in the bowl of confectioners’ sugar to fully coat, then arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a 1-inch space between each.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.

Keyword Gooey Butter Cookies

Gooey Butter Cookies