Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake and Festive Sprinkles Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake mix are a simple and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. They combine a soft, creamy center with a sweet powdered sugar coating for an irresistible bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies come together quickly and easily.
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 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 yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Blend until you have a smooth, consistent dough. The mixture may be thick, so continue mixing until fully 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 shape.
- Step 4: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If using sprinkles, first roll each ball in the sprinkles to coat evenly, then roll the balls in powdered sugar until fully covered.
- Step 5: Preheat the 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 are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try using different cake mix flavors like chocolate or red velvet for a fun twist.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it a bit longer before shaping.
- For a festive touch, add holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar to the coating.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of yellow cake?
Yes, you can use any boxed cake mix flavor you prefer. Chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti mixes all work well and change the taste and color of the cookies.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is important as it firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
PrintQuick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake and Festive Sprinkles Recipe
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake mix are decadently soft, buttery, and slightly tangy thanks to cream cheese. They’re quick to make, requiring only simple ingredients and a short chill time, resulting in festive, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime a sweet treat is needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 the softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, and softened cream cheese together using a hand or stand mixer at medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until you get a smooth, consistent dough. The mixture will be thick but fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove chilled dough and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. First roll each ball in festive sprinkles if using, then coat thoroughly by rolling in powdered sugar until completely covered.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookie edges are lightly browned, being careful not to overbake.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your soft and gooey holiday cookies!
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can substitute any cake mix flavor to customize the cookie taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a less sweet version, reduce powdered sugar coating slightly.
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe, soft cookies, festive desserts
