Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cookies

Gooey butter cookies come from the classic St. Louis gooey butter cake, transformed into a delightful cookie. These treats feature a soft, chewy center with a slightly crispy powdered sugar exterior. The combination of rich butter and tangy cream cheese creates a unique flavor that many enjoy.

The idea to make gooey butter cookies came from wanting a portable, easy-to-eat version of the traditional cake that could be shared more easily at gatherings or enjoyed as a sweet snack.

Making these gooey butter cookies involves blending cake mix, butter, egg, and cream cheese, then baking until just set for that irresistible gooey texture.

Why We Love This Recipe

This gooey butter cookies is loved because it combines simplicity and indulgence in every bite. The soft, chewy texture contrasts beautifully with the lightly crisp powdered sugar coating, creating a delightful mouth feel.

The rich buttery flavor balanced by the subtle tang of cream cheese makes these gooey butter cookies uniquely satisfying.

They come together quickly with easy-to-find ingredients, making them accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or later with a cup of coffee, these gooey butter cookies offer comfort and sweetness that feel homemade and special every time.

How To Prepare Gooey Butter Cookies?

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Dessert / Snack

Difficulty: Easy

Calories: 240

Cuisine: American

Serving size: 12 cookies

Main Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Ingredients

• 1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Gooey Butter Cookies

1. Get the oven ready:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep the cookies from sticking.

2. Prepare the dough:

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well to blend.

3. Add the dry ingredients:

Slowly mix in the yellow cake mix until just combined. The dough will be thick—try not to overwork it.

4. Form the cookies:

Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

5. Bake and cool:

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, and then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.

Why My Recipe Works

This gooey butter cookies works because it balances rich, creamy ingredients with just the right amount of cake mix to create a tender, moist texture that stays soft inside.

The softened cream cheese and butter blend smoothly, giving the cookies their signature gooey center. Using cake mix provides sweetness and structure without needing many additional ingredients, simplifying the process.

The egg helps bind everything together, while the powdered sugar adds a delicate, slightly crisp coating that contrasts beautifully with the chewy interior.

Baking at the right temperature ensures the edges set while the middle remains delightfully soft, resulting in perfectly gooey butter cookies every time.

What Does A Gooey Butter Cake Taste Like?

A gooey butter cake tastes rich and buttery with a sweet, custard-like filling that’s both creamy and dense. It has a soft, moist texture with a slight tang from the cream cheese, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

The top usually has a light, slightly crisp layer of powdered sugar that adds a delicate crunch. Overall, it’s a comforting dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth quality, combining buttery sweetness and a subtle creaminess that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.

The flavors blend together in a way that makes every bite wonderfully gooey and satisfying.

My Favorite Ways to Serve it Up

My favorite ways to serve gooey butter cookies include pairing them with a cold glass of milk, which balances the rich sweetness perfectly.

They also go great alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for a cozy treat during chilly afternoons. For a fun twist, I like to sandwich two cookies together with a layer of frosting or jam.

Another way I enjoy them is slightly warmed, so the gooey center becomes extra malty. Finally, sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar on top before serving adds a pretty, festive touch.

Variations And Substitutions

➤ Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla for a different twist. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

➤ Substitutions: Use light cream cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to reduce fat or accommodate dietary needs. Unsalted butter can be swapped with salted butter—just skip adding extra salt elsewhere. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

➤ Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.

➤ Toppings: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle cinnamon sugar for an added layer of flavor.

My Tips Tips For Success!

◆ Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature so they blend smoothly.

◆ Mix the ingredients gently after adding the cake mix to avoid tough cookies.

◆ Double-check your measurements to maintain the right balance of sweetness and moisture.

◆ Leave enough space between dough scoops on the baking tray to help cookies bake evenly.

◆ Watch the cookies closely during baking and take them out when the edges look firm but the centers still feel soft for that ideal gooey center.

Can I Make The Dough Ahead And Bake The Cookies Later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours before baking. Store it covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld together and can improve the cookie’s texture.

Before baking, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Then, bake as usual, keeping an eye on the cookies to avoid over baking.

Why Do My Gooey Butter Cookies Sometimes Turn Out Dry Or Crumbly?

Dry or crumbly cookies usually result from over baking or using ingredients that aren’t softened properly. If the cream cheese and butter are too cold, they won’t blend well, leading to less moist dough.

Also, baking the cookies too long will dry them out—pull them from the oven when the edges are firm but the centers still look slightly soft. This keeps the inside tender and gooey.

Can I Freeze The Cookie Dough Or The Baked Cookies? What’s The Best Way?

Both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. For the dough, shape it into balls and freeze them on a tray so they don’t stick together.

Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

For baked cookies, make sure they are completely cool, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating or warm briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.

Can I Use A Different Cake Mix Flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional and gives a classic buttery flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, white, or even funfest cake mix.

Just keep in mind that changing the cake mix flavor will alter the taste and color of the cookies, so choose according to your preference.

Is Cream Cheese Necessary For These Cookies?

Yes, cream cheese plays a crucial role in these cookies. It adds moisture, a slight tanginess, and helps create that signature gooey, soft texture inside.

Omitting cream cheese would result in a drier cookie that lacks the rich, creamy quality this recipe is known for.

Can I Freeze Gooey Butter Cookies?

You can! After baking and completely cooling the cookies, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Why Aren’t My Cookies Gooey?

If your cookies turn out dry or cakey instead of gooey, it’s usually because they were baked too long or the cream cheese wasn’t properly softened.

Bake just until the edges are set and golden but the centers are still soft. Using room temperature ingredients helps ensure the right texture.

Can I Make These Cookies Dairy-Free Or Vegan?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to make the cookies dairy-free or vegan.

There are many plant-based cream cheeses and vegan butters available. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly different, but they still turn out delicious!

Proper Storage

Proper storage keeps gooey butter cookies fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Store them at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Frozen gooey butter cookies stay good for about 2–3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Conclusion

This easy and delicious gooey butter cookie recipe brings joy with every bite. The simple ingredients and straightforward method make it accessible for bakers of all levels.

Once you follow these steps, you’ll quickly understand how to create soft, gooey, and flavorful cookies that everyone will love.

Baking these gooey butter cookies is a fun and rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.

I hope you give this gooey butter cookies a try soon and enjoy the happy moments it brings!