Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake

If you’ve ever dreamed of cookies that are soft, chewy, and just a little bit decadent, Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake will become your new favorite. These cookies are easy to make, irresistibly gooey, and packed with buttery, sweet flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, including a box of yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and butter, you can whip up a batch in less than an hour.

Perfect for holiday baking, casual snacks, or gifting to friends and family, these cookies are versatile and customizable. Whether you add sprinkles for a festive touch or leave them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: Minimal prep and easy steps make it perfect for last-minute baking.
• Soft and gooey: Cream cheese creates a moist, tender texture unlike regular cookies.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love rolling them in sprinkles and powdered sugar.
• Versatile flavors: Use any cake mix flavor—vanilla, chocolate, or funfetti!
• Perfect for gifting: Great for cookie exchanges or holiday gifts.
• Consistently delicious: Foolproof recipe that turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need, grouped for easy reference.

Cookie Dough

• 1 package yellow cake mix (any flavor works)
• 1 large egg
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating

• Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
• Powdered sugar, for rolling

Yields: 36 cookies

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowls for sprinkles and powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 8 oz cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.

2. Add the Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until fully combined into a smooth, consistent dough. It may be thick but continue mixing to ensure all dry ingredients are incorporated.

3. 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 into balls.

4. Shape and Coat the Cookies

Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. First, roll each ball in festive sprinkles for a fun, colorful layer (optional). Then, roll the balls in powdered sugar until fully coated.

5. Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey center intact.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy soft, gooey cookies that melt in your mouth.

Tips & Variations

• Cake Mix Flavors: Chocolate, funfetti, or marble cake mix all work beautifully.
• Sprinkle Alternatives: Try sanding sugar, cocoa powder, or cinnamon sugar instead of traditional sprinkles.
• Gooey Chocolate Version: Mix in ½ cup chocolate chips for a melty surprise inside.
• Holiday Twist: Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
• Vegan Option: Substitute vegan butter and egg replacer, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Texture: Gooey centers with lightly crisp edges create the perfect balance.
• Serving Ideas:
  • Serve with a glass of cold milk or coffee.
  • Stack them in a festive tin for gift-giving.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	16 g
Sugars	10 g
Fat	5 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sodium	90 mg

Dietary notes: Contains dairy and eggs. Vegan and gluten-free variations are possible with substitutions.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chill dough overnight for deeper flavor and easier shaping.
• Pre-roll dough balls and store on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Powdered sugar coating can be added just before baking to keep cookies looking fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I use boxed cake mix other than yellow?
Yes, any flavor works! Chocolate, funfetti, or marble cake mix are excellent options.

2. How do I keep cookies soft and gooey?
Do not overbake. Remove cookies when the edges are lightly browned and centers still look slightly undercooked.

3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, shape dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

4. Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?
Absolutely! They’re visually appealing, festive, and delicious, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or gifts.

5. Can I make them vegan?
Yes, replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use an egg replacer.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Wet Ingredients	5 minutes
Mix with Cake Mix	5 minutes
Chill Dough	30–60 minutes
Shape & Coat	10 minutes
Bake	10–12 minutes
Cool	5–10 minutes
Total Time	45–55 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange cookies on a festive plate and dust with extra powdered sugar.
• Stack in a cookie tin or gift box for a homemade gift.
• Serve warm with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for ultimate indulgence.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Use chocolate cake mix and mix in chocolate chips.
2. Funfetti Surprise: Use funfetti cake mix for a colorful cookie perfect for birthdays.
3. Holiday Spice: Add 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice for seasonal flavor.
4. Nutty Gooey Cookies: Fold in ½ cup finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: Provides richness, moisture, and the signature gooey texture that sets these cookies apart from ordinary cake mix cookies.

Yellow Cake Mix: A simple, convenient base that keeps the cookies soft, tender, and full of buttery flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
• Roll cookies evenly for uniform size and consistent baking.
• For extra gooey centers, underbake by 1–2 minutes.
• Coat cookies in powdered sugar while slightly warm for better adherence.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Shape dough into balls, freeze on a sheet, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm in microwave.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	120 kcal	Sweet treat portion
Protein	2 g	From cream cheese & egg
Carbs	16 g	From cake mix & sugar
Fat	5 g	Butter & cream cheese
Saturated Fat	3 g	Minor portion
Sugars	10 g	Sweet coating & cake mix
Sodium	90 mg	Slightly salty

Dietary notes: Contains dairy and eggs; vegan option available with substitutions.

Expanded Conclusion

Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are a must-try for anyone seeking a soft, chewy, and indulgent cookie without complicated steps. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a sweet treat anytime, these cookies are simple to make yet impressive in taste and appearance.

With minimal ingredients, a quick preparation process, and endless customization possibilities, they’re a versatile recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Whether dusted with powdered sugar, rolled in festive sprinkles, or left plain for a classic look, these cookies deliver the perfect combination of gooey, buttery, and sweet in every bite.

Try them, share them, and watch them disappear in record time—these gooey butter cookies are that good!

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