Decadent Gooey Butter Cookies
Indulge in these Decadent Gooey Butter Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich, creamy texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Easy to prepare and wonderfully gooey, these treats can be enjoyed straight from the oven or shared at your next gathering. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth experience, making these cookies the ultimate dessert for cookie lovers!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
egg
1 (large, beaten)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
white cake mix or yellow cake mix
1 (18 1/2 ounce) box (dry mix)
confectioners' sugar
for rolling (powdered)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and well blended.
2
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3
Gradually add the cake mix to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm enough to handle.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6
Once the dough is firm, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls of dough.
7
Roll each ball in confectioners' sugar to coat thoroughly.
8
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm but the centers remain gooey.
10
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
11
Dust with additional confectioners' sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Gooey Butter Cookies?
They are a rich and soft dessert made with a base of cream cheese, butter, and cake mix for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What makes these cookies gooey?
The combination of softened cream cheese and butter, paired with a slightly shorter baking time, creates the signature gooey center.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, while white or yellow cake mix is traditional, you can use chocolate, lemon, or strawberry cake mix for different variations.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese and butter?
Yes, softening them to room temperature is crucial for ensuring a smooth, lump-free dough.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be chilled for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm enough to roll into balls.
At what temperature should the cookies be baked?
The cookies should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires one large, beaten egg.
What type of vanilla extract should I use?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Should I roll the dough in sugar before or after baking?
You should roll the dough balls in confectioners' sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges are slightly firm but the centers still look soft and gooey.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
It is better to line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer or a stand mixer is perfect for beating the cream cheese and butter together.
What size should the dough balls be?
Form the dough into approximately 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
How far apart should I space the cookies on the pan?
Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
How long should the cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can I store these cookies at room temperature?
Yes, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls; just thaw them slightly before rolling in sugar and baking.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
This can happen if the dough was not chilled long enough or if the butter was melted instead of softened.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While possible, full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and the most decadent, gooey texture.
What is the purpose of the confectioners' sugar?
It provides a sweet coating and creates a beautiful crackled appearance as the cookies bake.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double if you are baking for a large crowd or gathering.
Is it okay to use a gluten-free cake mix?
Yes, a gluten-free cake mix can be substituted, though the texture may vary slightly.
Should the cookies be firm when I take them out?
No, the centers should still look slightly underdone to ensure they remain gooey once cooled.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled, and you can lightly dust your hands with confectioners' sugar.
Can I add lemon zest to the recipe?
Yes, adding lemon zest is a great way to brighten the flavor, especially when using a yellow cake mix.
Should I dust them with sugar again after baking?
Dusting with additional confectioners' sugar before serving adds a lovely sweet finishing touch.
What is the best way to serve these cookies?
They are delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is highly recommended for its superior flavor and better consistency in the dough.
Are these cookies suitable for a cookie exchange?
Absolutely, their unique texture and sweet flavor make them a standout at any cookie exchange.