Gooey Butter Cookies: The Irresistibly Soft, Sweet Treat You’ll Want to Bake Every Week

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, rich, and absolutely addictive, you’ve come to the right place. These Gooey Butter Cookies are everything the name promises—pillowy soft centers with a buttery richness and a dusting of powdered sugar that adds just the right touch of sweetness. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have these melt-in-your-mouth cookies on your table in under an hour.

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, potluck pros, or anyone looking to whip up a crowd-pleasing treat with minimal fuss. It uses a boxed cake mix as a shortcut, so there’s no need to worry about sifting flour or precise measurements. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—these cookies taste like they came straight from a high-end bakery.

Why You’ll Love Gooey Butter Cookies

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and one box of cake mix—no fancy flours or tools required.

• Incredibly Soft Texture: Thanks to cream cheese and butter, these cookies stay soft and tender for days.

• Quick Prep: 10 minutes to mix, 30 minutes to chill, and just 10–12 minutes to bake.

• Eye-Catching: Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies bake into gorgeous, crackled tops that look just as good as they taste.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be made and chilled in advance for fresh-baked cookies on demand.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so special:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds tang and creaminess, making the texture velvety soft.

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Rich and buttery flavor base.

• Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds moisture.

• Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances flavor and brings out the buttery notes.

• Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz box): A brilliant shortcut that provides the flour, sugar, and leavening all in one.

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup, plus more for dusting): Used to roll the dough for that classic crackled cookie appearance and a touch of added sweetness.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon

• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or cooking spray

• Cooling rack

• Sifter or fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra sugar dusting)

How to Make Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Cake Mix

Gradually mix in the yellow cake mix until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and sticky—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps make the dough easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar, making sure every surface is covered.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cookie balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly underbaked.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cool, dust with additional powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish.

Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cookies

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Low-fat or whipped versions may alter the texture.

• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft. They may look underdone when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

• Chill the Dough: This is essential. Skipping this step will result in cookies that spread too much.

• For Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies, which ensures consistent baking.

• Make Ahead: Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Recipe Variations & Swaps

• Lemon Gooey Cookies: Use lemon cake mix instead of yellow and add ½ tsp of lemon zest for a citrusy spin.

• Chocolate Twist: Try devil’s food cake mix and add mini chocolate chips to the dough.

• Funfetti Style: Use funfetti or white cake mix and mix in rainbow sprinkles for a festive look.

• Pumpkin Spice: In the fall, use spice cake mix and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal treat.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Storage: Keep the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy thanks to the cream cheese.

Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Freezing the Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, let thaw for 15–20 minutes, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.

Food & Drink Pairings

Drinks:

• Hot Cocoa: The creamy, rich cocoa complements the soft texture of these cookies.

• Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully.

• Milk: Classic and kid-approved.

Food Pairings:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich the cookies with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

• Fruit Salad: A fresh, tangy contrast to the rich cookie flavor.

• Brunch Boards: Add these cookies to a breakfast or brunch charcuterie board for a sweet surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Try chocolate, red velvet, or even strawberry for unique flavor profiles.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

You may have skipped the chilling step or used too much butter. Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened, not melted.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix of the same size. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe doubles well. Just be sure to chill the dough and bake in batches.

Do I have to use a hand mixer?

While a hand mixer makes the process easier and faster, you can mix the dough by hand with a sturdy spatula—just be prepared for a bit of a workout.

Final Thoughts

These Gooey Butter Cookies are everything you could want in a homemade treat: soft, chewy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and the ability to adapt the recipe for different flavors or dietary needs, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a bake sale, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth on a Tuesday afternoon, this recipe delivers. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the luxurious texture makes this a no-fail favorite that everyone will love.

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