Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat inspired by the classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery flavor. With their powdered sugar coating and gooey center, they’re perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrients
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Servings: 24 cookies
Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth cookies for a buttery, sweet indulgence!
Gooey Butter Cookies: The Sweet Delight That Melts in Your Mouth
Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a culinary celebration of sweetness and texture that brings joy to every bite. Inspired by the famous St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, these cookies embody the same indulgent flavors while offering a portable, shareable format that’s perfect for all occasions. From their origins to their versatility, let’s dive deep into what makes Gooey Butter Cookies a must-have treat for dessert enthusiasts everywhere.
The Origins of Gooey Butter Cookies
The inspiration behind Gooey Butter Cookies lies in the iconic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. Legend has it that this beloved cake was created by accident in the 1930s when a baker in St. Louis mistakenly swapped the proportions of flour and butter in a cake recipe. The result was a dense, rich cake with a buttery flavor that quickly became a regional favorite. Over time, bakers experimented with different formats, leading to the creation of Gooey Butter Cookies—a bite-sized adaptation of the original masterpiece.
The cookies retain the gooey, rich texture of their cake predecessor while introducing a playful powdered sugar coating that adds a delightful contrast of sweetness and crunch. Their portable size and chewy texture make them an instant hit at parties, holidays, and casual gatherings alike.
What Makes Gooey Butter Cookies Special?
1. Rich, Buttery Flavor
The defining characteristic of Gooey Butter Cookies is their intensely buttery flavor. This richness is achieved through the use of cream cheese and butter in the dough, creating a decadent taste that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
2. Perfect Texture
Gooey Butter Cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and soft. Their centers are irresistibly gooey, while the powdered sugar coating provides a slight crunch that enhances the overall texture. This combination makes each bite a symphony of contrasts.
3. Versatility
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking for a family reunion, or simply craving a sweet snack, Gooey Butter Cookies fit the bill. They’re easy to transport, quick to prepare, and universally loved by children and adults alike.
4. Visual Appeal
The cookies’ snowy powdered sugar coating gives them a festive look, making them ideal for celebrations. Their cracked appearance, with hints of the gooey interior peeking through, adds a rustic charm that’s as inviting as their flavor.
The Role of Ingredients in the Cookie’s Magic
The simplicity of the ingredient list belies the complexity of flavor and texture these cookies offer. Yellow cake mix serves as the base, imparting a subtle vanilla flavor and ensuring consistent results every time. The cream cheese adds tanginess and richness, while the butter provides the foundational buttery taste. Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies their characteristic crackled appearance.
The beauty of Gooey Butter Cookies lies in their adaptability. By tweaking the ingredients slightly or adding mix-ins, you can create endless variations. Some popular additions include chocolate chips, lemon zest, or crushed nuts. You can also experiment with flavored cake mixes for a unique twist.
Why Gooey Butter Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
The holiday season is synonymous with comfort, indulgence, and sharing, making Gooey Butter Cookies the perfect addition to festive gatherings. Their rich flavor and soft texture evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, while their powdered sugar coating adds a wintry aesthetic that’s perfect for Christmas platters. They’re also easy to make in large batches, ensuring there’s enough to go around for cookie exchanges, office parties, or family celebrations.
Moreover, Gooey Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with holiday beverages like hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced tea, elevating the experience of enjoying them. Their rich, buttery profile complements the warm, spiced flavors typically associated with the season.
Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cookies Every Time
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly, ensuring a consistent dough.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies are meant to remain gooey in the center, so take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Coat Generously in Powdered Sugar: This not only enhances their sweetness but also contributes to their iconic cracked appearance.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to customize the cookies to your taste.
Gooey Butter Cookies as a Gift
In addition to being a treat for yourself, Gooey Butter Cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift. Pack them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation. Their soft, chewy texture and irresistible flavor are guaranteed to make them a hit with recipients, whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Gooey Butter Cookies
Gooey Butter Cookies are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Their buttery richness, soft texture, and powdered sugar coating make them a standout dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re a fan of the original St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake or simply looking for a new favorite cookie recipe, these cookies deliver on all fronts.
With their festive appearance, crowd-pleasing flavor, and adaptability to various occasions, Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. Add them to your repertoire, and you’ll have a go-to treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply indulging a sweet tooth, Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
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Gooey Butter Cookies
Description
Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat inspired by the classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery flavor. With their powdered sugar coating and gooey center, they’re perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.