Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are delightfully rich and easy to make. Perfectly soft with a sweet coating of powdered sugar and festive sprinkles, they’re a wonderful treat for any occasion or holiday gathering.
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 softened cream cheese until fluffy and well combined. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Step 2: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until you have a smooth, consistent dough with no dry pockets. The dough will be thick but well 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, making it easier to handle.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough and roll it into approximately 1-inch balls. First roll each ball in festive sprinkles, then dip and roll them thoroughly in powdered sugar until coated.
- Step 5: Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious gooey butter cookies!
Tips & Variations
- For a different flavor twist, try using a different cake mix such as chocolate or funfetti.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to ensure a smooth dough.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar dusting slightly or skip the sprinkles.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can use any cake mix flavor you like to customize the cookies. Chocolate, funfetti, or spice cake can add a unique twist.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and shape. It also helps the cookies bake evenly and maintain their shape.
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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 are irresistibly soft, rich, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with cream cheese, butter, and a yellow cake mix, these cookies are coated in festive sprinkles and powdered sugar for a delightful sweet coating. Easy to prepare, chilled for better handling, and baked until just lightly browned, they offer a gooey texture with a buttery flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package yellow cake mix (about 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 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until fluffy and well combined. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for best results.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the entire package of yellow cake mix to the wet mixture. Continue blending until the dough is smooth and consistent, ensuring all dry ingredients are fully incorporated, even if the dough seems thick.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to shape.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the chilled dough and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. First, roll each ball in festive sprinkles to evenly coat, then dip and roll in powdered sugar until fully covered.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to lightly brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them gooey.
- 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 before serving. Enjoy these festive and gooey delights!
Notes
- Be sure to soften the cream cheese and butter to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading during baking and make shaping easier.
- Use festive sprinkles for a holiday-appropriate look, or omit for a simpler cookie.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and gooey inside.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- 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, soft cookies, festive cookies, powdered sugar cookies
