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If you are on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, rich, and irresistibly gooey, thanks to the magic blend of cream cheese, buttery cake mix, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy moment alone, these cookies melt on your tongue and keep everyone coming back for just one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing a special touch to the Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. From the buttery richness to the tang of cream cheese and the cozy hint of almond extract, every component plays a vital role in creating these luscious treats.
- Golden Butter Cake Mix: The flavorful foundation that gives the cookies their tender crumb and buttery taste.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness, helping create that perfect chewy texture.
- Butter (softened): Adds moisture and contributes to the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon introduces a subtle, nutty fragrance that elevates every bite.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The secret star that makes these cookies incredibly gooey and tender inside.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling the dough balls, giving the cookies a delicate, snowy coating that adds sweetness and a hint of crunch.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the cake mix, egg, almond extract, softened cream cheese, and butter in a large bowl. Use a hand-held mixer to blend everything thoroughly into a smooth, decadent dough. This step is the foundation of your Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe—be sure to mix until no lumps remain! Once mixed, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight; this chill time is key to developing the perfect texture.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325ºF. This slightly lower temperature helps the cookies bake evenly without drying out, keeping their signature gooey centers intact.
Step 3: Shape and Roll
Remove the dough from the fridge, then roll it into 1-inch balls. Next, generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, creating that classic, snowy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, buttery inside. This coating also helps prevent the dough from sticking and adds a sweet finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, giving them space to spread just a bit. Bake for 10 minutes—although the tops may still look a little undercooked, don’t be fooled. The bottoms should be golden brown, signaling these Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe’s trademark gooey center is perfectly set.
Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving. This cooling period helps the gooey centers firm up just enough to hold their shape while preserving their soft, luscious texture.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance and added flavor, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or drizzling a bit of melted white chocolate across the cooled cookies. Chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of cocoa powder can also add a lovely visual and textural contrast that complements the almond extract beautifully.
Side Dishes
Gooey Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a fun twist during gatherings, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these gooey delights on a rustic wooden platter with fresh flowers and a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving to impress your guests. You can also layer them between parchment paper in a decorative tin for a charming gift option that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely with their melt-in-your-mouth appeal), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This method keeps them soft and maintains that beautifully gooey texture you love.
Freezing
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange the powdered sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven at 325ºF, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time if needed. Fresh-baked gooey goodness awaits anytime!
Reheating
To reheat, warm your cookie gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This makes the centers soft and the butter flavors come alive again—a delightful little reminder of just how irresistible the Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe truly is.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Golden Butter cake mix gives the richest buttery flavor, you can experiment with yellow or even white cake mixes. Just keep in mind that different mixes might slightly change the sweetness and texture.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dough overnight?
Chilling the dough lets all the flavors meld together while allowing the fats to solidify, which results in the gooey centers and helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
Yes, you can swap almond extract for vanilla extract if you prefer a more classic cookie flavor. Just use the same amount to maintain the balance of flavor.
My cookies look undercooked on top—should I bake them longer?
Do not worry about the slightly undercooked tops; that’s exactly what you want for the gooey texture. The golden-brown bottoms indicate that the cookies are done.
How long do Gooey Butter Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is the best option to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting about biting into these Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe – the tender crumb combined with the creamy, gooey center creates pure magic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a delightful way to share warmth and deliciousness with those you love. Give it a try, and prepare to make it your new favorite go-to cookie recipe!
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Print
Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: overnight refrigeration plus 20 minutes active time
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich, and irresistibly sweet cookies made with a golden butter cake mix, cream cheese, and a hint of almond extract. These cookies feature a delightfully gooey center with a delicate powdered sugar coating, perfect for a comforting treat or holiday sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box Golden Butter cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
Coating
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the golden butter cake mix, egg, almond extract, softened cream cheese, and softened butter. Use a hand-held mixer to evenly blend the ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC) to ensure an even baking temperature for soft and gooey cookies.
- Shape and coat cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch balls. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, ensuring full coverage for a sweet, snowy exterior.
- Bake the cookies: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. The cookies will appear slightly undercooked on top but have a golden-brown bottom.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or serving plate. This cooling step helps them set to their gooey yet stable texture.
Notes
- Refrigeration overnight is key to develop the cookie’s texture and make the dough easier to handle.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overbake; the tops should look slightly undercooked to maintain gooeyness inside.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Almond extract adds a fragrant, nutty flavor but can be substituted with vanilla extract if preferred.
