Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a soft, chewy cookie loaded with colorful fun—this Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe brings that joy to your kitchen in an easy, no-fuss way. Imagine a pillowy base that’s lightly sweet with a luscious cream cheese and butter blend, all brightened up by a generous coating of festive sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies deliver a magical melt-in-your-mouth texture with every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every item listed truly earns its place in making this recipe shine.

• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a tangy richness that keeps the cookies moist and incredibly soft.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Contributes to the creamy texture and adds depth to the flavor.
• Egg (1 large): Helps bind the ingredients together while lending a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• White Cake Mix (15 1/4 ounce box): Provides structure and sweetness, forming the body of the cookie dough.
• Sprinkles (1 cup): Brings a burst of vibrant color and a bit of festive crunch on the outside.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. This prep sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Step 2: Cream the Cheese and Butter

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. This step is key to achieving that smooth, luscious base that makes these cookies so wonderfully gooey.

Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cake Mix

Next, toss in the egg, vanilla extract, and the entire box of white cake mix. Beat everything on a low speed just until combined—overmixing can toughen the dough, and we are aiming for that soft, tender bite.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, generously roll each ball in sprinkles until fully coated. This not only adds a splash of fun color but also gives the cookies a delightful texture contrast. Place them on your prepared sheet pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft and gooey. After pulling them out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for 5 to 7 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooldown phase helps them hold their shape while keeping their signature ooey-gooey texture.

Step 7: Repeat and Enjoy

Work through the rest of the dough in batches, repeating the rolling, coating, and baking steps until all your cookies are baked to perfection.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra pizazz, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies. These garnishes add a subtle sweetness that complements the sprinkles without overpowering the buttery base.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverages balance out the sweetness and enhance the soft crumb of the cookie, making for a perfectly paired snack or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and gift-giving, arrange the Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe on a colorful platter or stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay soft and delicious for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents any drying out and maintains that enviable gooey texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze unbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined tray first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready, bake directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh that soft, gooey magic before serving. This little trick makes them taste almost fresh-baked again and brings out the best in the sprinkles too.

FAQs

Can I use different cake mix flavors for this Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe?

Absolutely! While white cake mix keeps the flavor classic and light, you can experiment with yellow, funfetti, or even chocolate cake mixes for a new twist. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the cookie dough.

What’s the best way to prevent sprinkles from falling off?

Rolling the cookie dough balls thoroughly in sprinkles before baking helps them stick well. Also, chilling the dough first firms it up, so the sprinkles stay put during the baking process.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The traditional Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe uses a standard cake mix that contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute with a certified gluten-free white cake mix, and ensure your sprinkles are gluten-free as well.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, feel free to fold in mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a handful of dried fruit to give the cookies an extra dimension. Just be mindful not to overload the dough to keep that soft, gooey texture intact.

How do I make these cookies more festive for holidays?

Swap out your sprinkles for seasonal colors and shapes. Think red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. You can also add a drizzle of colored icing for an extra-special seasonal touch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, I promise this Gooey Butter Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe will become a new favorite. Soft, buttery, and packed with rainbow sprinkles, these cookies are a joyful treat for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake some happiness into every bite!

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