Description
Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are soft, rich, and delightfully sweet cookies made with cream cheese and yellow cake mix. These easy-to-make festive cookies are coated in sprinkles and powdered sugar, perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a buttery, gooey treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 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)
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 using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients bowl. Blend until you have a smooth, consistent dough. The dough will be somewhat thick, so continue mixing until 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 the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Roll into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in festive sprinkles evenly, then dip and roll in powdered sugar until completely coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delightful gooey butter cookies!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and fluffy dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Use festive sprinkles for a colorful holiday touch—optional.
- Do not overbake as this will dry out the cookies and lose their gooey texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake cookies, holiday cookies, cream cheese cookies, easy cookies, festive cookies, soft cookies
