Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe You’ll Absolutely Love

A sweet accident turned into one of the most beloved confections, gooey butter cookies are the ultimate treat that combines soft, chewy textures with rich, buttery flavors. Originating in St. Louis as a twist on gooey butter cake, this dessert has become a favorite among home bakers thanks to its simplicity and irresistible appeal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a first-timer looking for a show-stopping cookie recipe, this guide will help you create the perfect batch of homemade gooey butter cookies.

Bring a batch of these cookies to your next potluck, and watch them disappear in minutes. Their gooey center, subtle cream cheese tang, and crackly powdered sugar coating are simply irresistible.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Rest Time 30 mins

Total Time 57 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Courses: Desert

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 175 C

Servings: 36

Calories: 125

Best Season: Winter, Holiday

Description

Discover the ultimate gooey butter cookies recipe—soft, chewy, and irresistibly rich. Learn the secrets to baking these crowd-pleasing delights at home!

Ingredients

1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Softened)
8 ounces Cream cheese (Softened)
1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
2 large Eggs (Room temperature)
1 1/2 tablespoons Vanilla extract
3 cups All-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Baking powder
1 teaspoons Salt
1/2 cup Powdered sugar (For coating)

Instructions

1
1. Use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2
Add granulated sugar and beat to combine until light and creamy.
3
Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4
2. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
6
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
7
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8
Use a cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons of dough) to portion the dough. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball.
9
Roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated, then place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. The tops should appear puffed and crackly.
11
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 36

Amount Per Serving
Calories 125kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 95mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
Protein 2g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter, cream cheese, and room-temperature eggs helps the dough mix evenly.
Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Perfect Powdered Sugar Coating: For a heavy, crackly coat, roll the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar twice.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

With these tips, you'll achieve gooey, irresistible cookies every time!

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Flavor Variations:

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla for lemon extract.
Chocolate Variation: Replace ½ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a delectable gluten-free version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

Sticky Dough: Work quickly or refrigerate the dough longer if it's too sticky. Lightly coat your hands with powdered sugar for easier rolling.
Dry Cookies: Be careful not to overbake. Pull the cookies out when they’re still soft and slightly gooey in the center.
Uneven Crinkles: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for a uniform crackly top.

These variations and solutions ensure there’s a version for everyone!

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