The first time I bit into an Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies was at a small-town bake sale in St. Louis. My cousin handed it to me with a grin like she knew it was about to blow my mind — and it did.
Soft like cheesecake, rich like buttercream, and so gooey it almost melts on your tongue. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Now, they’re the #1 cookie I make for birthdays, holidays, and “just because” cravings. One bowl, one cake mix, and a little powdered sugar — it’s pure buttery bliss. 💫
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla, then mix until combined.
Slowly mix in the yellow cake mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
This step makes the dough easier to scoop and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop 1-tbsp balls of dough and roll generously in powdered sugar.
Place cookies about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
Bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft and gooey.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
They’ll be very soft straight from the oven, but they set beautifully as they cool.
✅ Chill the dough — it keeps them from spreading too much
✅ Don’t overbake — the centers should look soft and puffy
✅ Roll in plenty of powdered sugar for the classic crinkle effect
✅ Use different cake mixes like lemon, chocolate, or red velvet for fun flavor twists
✅ Add ½ tsp of almond extract for a more bakery-style cookie
Pin or bookmark these gooey wonders so you’ll always have a crowd-favorite recipe on hand — for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or midnight cravings. 💛🍪
These Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich, and dusted in powdered sugar. Made with cream cheese and cake mix, they’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a sweet craving fix.
