Decadent Quick Gooey Butter Cookies Using Yellow Cake Mix
There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked cookie, isn’t there? The warm aroma wafting through the house, instantly wrapping you in a cozy embrace that feels like a hug from your grandma. I’ll never forget the first time I tasted gooey butter cookies at a family gathering; I was probably just a kid, but the soft, buttery texture and that sweet, almost ethereal gooeyness made a lasting impression. They were a highlight of those joyous occasions, and now, I’m on a mission to share that same delight with you through my Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake. These little gems are as simple to make as they are delicious, perfect for any day of the week – be it a chilly autumn afternoon or a sunny spring day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes!
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples.
- Gooey Goodness: Rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these cookies.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, and trust me when I say you probably already have most of these in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted!)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- Helpful Note: For a deeper flavor, try using butter extract along with vanilla.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get to the good stuff! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have your gooey cookies ready in no time!
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step sets the stage for baking perfection.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned wooden spoon works too—just put in a little elbow grease!
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy—ah, just wait until you taste it!
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; you want to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough (yikes!).
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when baking.
- Shape the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll them in powdered sugar for that delightful, snowy finish.
- Bake: Place your dough balls onto a lined or greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re just golden around the edges. They might look a little underdone, but trust me—this is key to that gooey center!
- Cool and enjoy: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired. Now take a moment, breathe in that heavenly scent, and get ready for the first bite!

Pro Tips & Variations
The best part about baking is getting to be a little creative! Here are some fun twists and tips to try:
- Flavor Variations: Add in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Add Zest: A little lemon or orange zest can brighten up the flavors and bring a refreshing twist to your cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free for a delicious alternative!
- Frosted Delight: Feel free to whip up a quick frosting with cream cheese, vanilla, and a bit of powdered sugar to top your cookies after they cool down.
Serving Suggestions
These Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake are delightful on their own, but they also shine with a little pairing! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy as part of a dessert platter at your next gathering—everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Storage Tips
One of the best parts about these cookies is that they store well, allowing you to savor them longer. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookies as well! Place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between. They’ll be good for about 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
- Reheating: To bring them back to life, warm in the microwave for just a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives that classic flavor, chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake mix would also work beautifully. Get creative!
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional but can help maintain the shape of your cookies. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip that step!
Why are my cookies flat?
This could happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough was overmixed. Make sure to beat the butter and cream cheese just until fluffy and not melted, and avoid overmixing once you add the cake mix!
Can I replace the cream cheese with something else?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a similar texture and flavor.
Conclusion
I hope you find joy in making these Quick Gooey Butter Cookies with Yellow Cake as much as I do! Each soft, sweet bite is a little piece of happiness, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). If you whip up a batch, I’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out for you. Feel free to drop a comment below and share your cookie-making adventures! Happy baking!
Print
Decadent Quick Gooey Butter Cookies Using Yellow Cake Mix
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in quick gooey butter cookies made with yellow cake mix Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert that satisfies every craving
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Delightful and gooey butter cookies made quickly using yellow cake mix, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 servings
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: Gooey Butter Cookies, Yellow Cake Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipe
