Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
These quick gooey butter cookies made with yellow cake mix are soft, rich, and incredibly easy to make. With a cream cheese base and festive sprinkles, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture for any holiday or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix (or any flavor you prefer)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar, for coating
- Festive sprinkles, for coating
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 cake mix to the wet ingredients and blend until you have a smooth, consistent dough. The mixture may be thick, but keep mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up for easier handling.
- 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, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned but the cookies remain soft.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Try using different cake mix flavors like chocolate or red velvet to customize your cookies.
- For an extra festive touch, use themed sprinkles that match the season or celebration.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to ensure a smooth dough texture.
- If the dough feels too sticky after chilling, lightly flour your hands when rolling the balls.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm them slightly in a microwave or oven to regain their gooey texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cake mix?
Yes, any cake mix flavor works well with this recipe. Feel free to experiment with chocolate, spice, or funfetti for different flavor profiles.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important because it firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and shape. It also helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
PrintQuick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Mix are soft, buttery, and irresistibly sweet treats made with a simple combination of yellow cake mix, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. These festive cookies are rolled in colorful sprinkles and powdered sugar, baked to golden perfection for a gooey texture and delightful holiday cheer. Perfect for quick baking and joyful celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix (or any preferred flavor)
Coating
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
- Festive sprinkles, for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract 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 cake mix to the wet ingredients bowl. Blend the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated, forming a thick dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each ball first in holiday sprinkles, then dip and coat thoroughly in powdered sugar.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 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 not overbaked.
- 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!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and to make rolling easier.
- You can use any flavor of cake mix for variation.
- For a less sweet option, reduce powdered sugar coating.
- Use festive sprinkles to enhance the holiday presentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Gooey Butter Cookies, Yellow Cake Mix Cookies, Easy Holiday Cookies, Cream Cheese Cookies, Festive Cookies, Quick Dessert
