Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich creaminess of butter and cream cheese with the sweetness of powdered sugar. These cookies are soft, chewy, and practically melt in your mouth with every bite. The golden crust hides a soft center that bursts with buttery flavor, making them an irresistible treat.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a quiet evening at home, these Gooey Butter Cookies are easy to prepare but pack a flavor punch that feels luxurious. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after dinner, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
A Deliciously Sweet Treat
Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect marriage of rich flavors and soft textures. This decadent cookie brings together the lusciousness of cream cheese, the sweetness of powdered sugar, and the buttery goodness that leaves every bite as satisfying as the first. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a surefire hit that anyone can make with minimal effort.
The Origin of Gooey Butter Cookies
The history of Gooey Butter Cookies can be traced back to the St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, a classic dessert originating in the Midwest in the 1930s. Legend has it that the gooey butter cake was an accidental creation by a German-American baker in St. Louis, Missouri, who added too much butter to his cake batter. Instead of throwing it away, he baked it anyway, resulting in a soft, buttery dessert with a gooey texture that became a local hit.
Gooey Butter Cookies take inspiration from the gooey butter cake and turn it into bite-sized morsels. With the same rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies have earned their spot as a favorite holiday treat across the United States.
Why You’ll Love Gooey Butter Cookies
There are many reasons to love these cookies:
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Delightfully Soft and Chewy: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a tender cookie that’s soft in the center with just a hint of crispness on the edges.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Their sweet, buttery flavor makes them the perfect treat for holidays, bake sales, or everyday snacking.
- Customizable: You can easily switch things up by using different cake mix flavors or adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.
Now that you know why Gooey Butter Cookies are so special, let’s break down the process of making these delectable treats.
Ingredients Breakdown
The key to making Gooey Butter Cookies lies in using high-quality ingredients that come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what goes into these cookies:
- Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the cookie dough comes from a box of yellow cake mix. This gives the cookies a subtle vanilla flavor and light, fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds richness and gives the cookies their signature gooey texture. Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
- Butter: Butter is a must for these cookies. It enhances the flavor and contributes to their melt-in-your-mouth quality. Be sure to use softened, unsalted butter for the best results.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and gives the cookies structure, while also adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, making the cookies taste even more indulgent.
- Powdered Sugar: Before baking, the cookie dough balls are rolled in powdered sugar, which creates a delicate, sweet crust as the cookies bake. This outer coating also adds visual appeal, giving the cookies a crackly, snow-like finish.
Baking Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cookies
While the recipe is easy, here are a few tips to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Soften the Ingredients: Both the cream cheese and butter should be softened before you begin. This ensures that they blend smoothly and create a consistent dough.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, helping them maintain their shape.
- Don’t Overbake: The secret to gooey cookies is to avoid overbaking. The edges should be set, but the center should remain soft and gooey. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to leave them in the oven longer than necessary.
- Storing the Cookies: Gooey Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Variations of Gooey Butter Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to change up the classic Gooey Butter Cookie:
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Swap out the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix to create a rich, chocolatey version of these cookies. You can also add chocolate chips or chunks for extra indulgence.
- Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: Use lemon cake mix and add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist. These cookies are perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
- Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: For a festive holiday treat, use red velvet cake mix. The vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor make these cookies a standout on any dessert table.
- Add Mix-Ins: Get creative with your cookie dough by adding in nuts, sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows. The options are endless!
Why Gooey Butter Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies aren’t just for the holidays—they’re ideal for any occasion! Their soft, gooey texture and rich flavor make them a hit whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a bake sale, or simply making a batch to enjoy at home. Plus, they’re quick to make and don’t require any special equipment or ingredients, so you can easily whip them up whenever a craving strikes.
The cookies are also a great option for gifting. Package them in a decorative tin or box, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’s sure to impress. The powdered sugar coating gives them a festive look that’s perfect for holiday gift-giving, but their universal appeal makes them a great treat year-round.
Conclusion:
Gooey Butter Cookies are an irresistible combination of soft, chewy, and sweet—all in one perfect bite. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a fantastic recipe to have in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try, and enjoy the buttery, gooey goodness!
