Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies made with yellow cake mix are a delightful treat that combines soft, rich texture with a sweet buttery flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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 softened 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 thoroughly until the dough is smooth and consistent, even if it feels a bit thick.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up for easier handling.
- Step 4: After chilling, roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in festive sprinkles (if using), then in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking.
- Step 6: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use different cake mix flavors to customize the cookie flavor, such as chocolate or funfetti.
- For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two.
- Try rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar instead of sprinkles for a warm spice twist.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened for smooth mixing and best texture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm and gooey again.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any cake mix flavor you like. Each flavor will give a unique twist to the cookies.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is recommended as it firms up the mixture, making the cookies easier to shape and helping them bake more evenly.
PrintQuick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Recipe
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake Mix are a delightful treat combining the rich creaminess of cream cheese and butter with the light, fluffy texture of cake mix. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a soft, sweet cookie with a festive coating of sprinkles and powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
For the Coating:
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients bowl. Continue mixing until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth, consistent dough. The dough may be thick but keep mixing to ensure even blending.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
- Shape and Coat the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Roll it into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. First roll each ball in festive sprinkles for a colorful coating, then dip them in powdered sugar. Roll the cookies around until fully coated with powdered sugar.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your 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 cookie edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy these festive and gooey butter cookies!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking and to maintain cookie shape.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles to fit any occasion or holiday theme.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a different flavor, try other cake mix varieties like chocolate or red velvet.
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, yellow cake mix cookies, holiday cookies, cream cheese cookies, easy cookie recipe

