Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake

Introduction

Holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delightful. Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are a perfect example of an easy, indulgent treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by the classic gooey butter cake from St. Louis, these cookies bring all the richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the original dessert into a handheld, festive form. They are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them irresistible for both kids and adults.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a yellow cake mix as the base allows you to create tender, flavorful cookies without needing to measure multiple dry ingredients. Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and contributes to the gooey texture, while butter enhances the richness and helps the cookies hold their shape. The result is a cookie that is soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and delightfully indulgent.

To finish, these cookies can be decorated with festive sprinkles or lightly dusted with powdered sugar, adding both visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness. They are perfect for holiday dessert tables, cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa at home.

This recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced baker looking for a quick holiday treat or a beginner hoping to impress with minimal effort, these cookies are a reliable and delicious choice.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package yellow cake mix
1 large egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

For the Coating

Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredient Insights

The yellow cake mix acts as the base for these cookies, providing sweetness, structure, and a tender texture. Using a premade mix simplifies the process while ensuring consistent results. Cream cheese adds creaminess, moisture, and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cake mix. Unsalted butter contributes richness and helps create a tender, slightly gooey texture.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth to each bite. The optional festive sprinkles add a playful, colorful element, perfect for holidays or celebrations. Powdered sugar provides a light sweetness on top and gives the cookies a soft, delicate finish.

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly thick but pliable. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Optional: Roll the dough balls in festive sprinkles for a colorful, holiday-ready finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for Best Results

For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake them, allowing the centers to remain soft. Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough. Using a cookie scoop helps maintain uniform size and baking consistency. Sprinkles can be added before or after baking depending on your desired look.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or casual dessert servings at home. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk. Display them on a festive platter or package them in decorative boxes for gifts—they are sure to delight anyone who receives them.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze unbaked dough for up to a month. If freezing dough, thaw in the refrigerator before baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen and reheated slightly before serving.

Conclusion and Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are an easy, delicious, and festive treat that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor and indulgence. Their soft, buttery texture, subtle tang from cream cheese, and sweetness from the cake mix make them a holiday favorite for all ages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for a day or two before baking. You can also freeze unbaked dough for up to a month.

How do I make the cookies extra gooey
Slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring.

Can I use different cake mix flavors
Yes, while yellow cake mix is recommended, vanilla or white cake mixes also work well. Chocolate cake mix can be used for a chocolate variation.