Gooey Butter Cookies are what happens when butter and sugar throw a party and forget to invite “healthy choices.” Soft, messy, and dangerously good — one bite and you’re hooked. Let’s get messy.
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Step-by-Step: How to Make Gooey Butter Cookies at Home
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Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, sweet, and irresistibly chewy, these Gooey Butter Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the cake mix and mix until fully incorporated.
- Refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes until firm.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, cake mix cookies, easy dessert, butter cookies
Expert Tips for Making Extra Gooey Cookies
What is the Secret to Gooey Cookies?
Achieving that perfect gooey center in Gooey Butter Cookies isn’t about luck — it’s all about technique and precision. The first secret lies in the balance between moisture and structure. Using full-fat cream cheese and real butter creates a rich, tender dough that holds onto moisture without becoming greasy.
Another crucial factor? Don’t overbake. The cookies should look slightly underdone when you pull them out of the oven. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet for a few minutes, setting up into that perfect gooey consistency. If you wait until they look fully baked, they’ll end up dry.
Temperature control matters too. Always start with room-temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing. Cold butter or cream cheese can lead to uneven pockets of fat that disrupt the texture.
Finally, chilling your dough is a must. Chilling allows the fat to solidify slightly, so when the cookies bake, they spread more slowly, creating thicker, softer centers.
Want even more pro-level baking secrets? Don’t miss our Top 10 Cookie Baking Mistakes to Avoid to elevate all your baking projects!
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Baking
Even seasoned bakers can make slip-ups that turn gooey cookies into dry disappointments. Here are the top mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Dough
Too much mixing after adding the flour develops gluten, making the cookies tough instead of tender. - Skipping the Chill Time
Warm dough spreads too quickly, leading to thin, crispy cookies without that iconic gooey center. - Overbaking
It’s tempting to wait until the cookies look firm, but that’s a sure way to lose the soft middle. Trust the timer and your instincts! - Measuring Flour Incorrectly
Too much flour results in dry, cakey cookies. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife — never scoop directly from the bag. - Using Low-Quality Butter or Cream Cheese
Since these two ingredients make up a big portion of the dough, skimping on quality will drastically affect the final flavor and texture.
By sidestepping these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that every batch of Gooey Butter Cookies you bake is irresistibly soft, chewy, and delicious.
Fun Variations of Gooey Butter Cookies You Must Try
Chocolate, Lemon, and Pumpkin Versions
One of the best things about Gooey Butter Cookies is how easily they adapt to new flavors without losing their irresistible texture. Let’s look at some delicious variations you have to try:
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies
Swap out a portion of the flour with cocoa powder and stir in some chocolate chips for an ultra-decadent, brownie-like version. The chocolate infusion brings an intense richness that chocolate lovers can’t resist. - Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon extract to the dough for a bright, tangy twist. Dust the cookies with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful, snow-kissed appearance that’s perfect for springtime gatherings. - Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cookies
Incorporate a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the mix. These cookies are a must for cozy fall days when you’re craving something comforting and seasonal.
Each of these versions still maintains that soft, gooey center that defines the classic cookie, but with a playful new flavor twist. You’ll never get bored with Gooey Butter Cookies once you start experimenting!
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
Dietary restrictions? No problem. You can still enjoy Gooey Butter Cookies with a few simple swaps:
- Gluten-Free Version
Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help mimic the structure of traditional wheat flour. - Vegan Version
Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and the cream cheese with a dairy-free version. Replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) to maintain the right moisture level.
Thanks to their forgiving nature, Gooey Butter Cookies can be adjusted for almost any dietary need without sacrificing taste or texture.
If you’re excited to branch out even more, Learn more about our Best Vegan Cookie Recipes to Try for endless inspiration!
Serving and Storing Gooey Butter Cookies
Best Ways to Serve and Present Them
There’s no wrong way to enjoy Gooey Butter Cookies, but a little creativity can elevate them from simple snacks to stunning desserts. Fresh from the oven, these cookies are at their best — warm, tender, and irresistibly gooey.
For a special touch, consider dusting them lightly with extra powdered sugar right before serving. It gives the cookies a beautiful snowy look that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or even weddings.
You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of buttercream or whipped cream in between for a gooey butter cookie sandwich that’s absolutely decadent.
Planning a dessert table? Arrange them neatly on a tiered tray or in colorful tins lined with parchment paper. These visual touches make the gooey centers even more inviting!
For more fun serving ideas, Looking for inspiration? Try our Creative Cookie Presentation Ideas to wow your guests with every batch.
How to Keep Your Cookies Fresh Longer
Nothing’s worse than baking the perfect batch of Gooey Butter Cookies only to have them dry out too soon. Thankfully, these cookies store beautifully if handled properly:
- Room Temperature
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Freezing for Longer Storage
Want to make them last? You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Roll them in powdered sugar right before baking. Baked cookies also freeze well; just let them cool completely before sealing in a freezer-safe bag. - Reheating Tips
If your cookies start to lose their gooey texture, pop them into the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll come right back to life, tasting just like they did fresh out of the oven!
By following these simple steps, you’ll always have a stash of deliciously gooey treats ready whenever the craving strikes.
Ready to Bake the Best Gooey Butter Cookies Ever?
Now you know the secrets behind truly addictive Gooey Butter Cookies — soft centers, buttery richness, and just the right amount of gooey magic. Whether you’re sticking with the classic or getting wild with lemon, chocolate, or pumpkin, it’s your time to shine.
Fire up that oven, grab your apron (and maybe a taste tester or two), and start baking!
Don’t forget to check out our Classic Butter Desserts You Must Try for even more sweet kitchen wins.
FAQ
What is the secret to gooey cookies?
The secret to irresistibly gooey cookies lies in three simple steps: using high-moisture ingredients like cream cheese and butter, chilling the dough before baking, and pulling the cookies out of the oven when they still look slightly underbaked. By allowing them to finish baking from residual heat, you trap the perfect soft, gooey center that defines the best Gooey Butter Cookies.
Where did gooey butter cookies originate?
Gooey butter cookies originated as a playful twist on the famous Gooey Butter Cake from St. Louis, Missouri. Inspired by the cake’s rich, dense texture, bakers sought a portable, snack-sized version — leading to the creation of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that preserve all the buttery goodness in handheld form.
What city is known for gooey butter cake?
St. Louis, Missouri, proudly claims the title as the birthplace of gooey butter cake. This iconic Midwestern treat, born from a bakery mishap in the 1930s, quickly became a staple in St. Louis households — and eventually inspired the creation of Gooey Butter Cookies enjoyed nationwide today.