Oh my goodness, let me tell you about gooey butter cookies! These little bites of heaven are soft and chewy, with a rich, buttery flavor that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, every time I make them, I can’t help but sneak one (or three) right off the baking sheet! It’s almost impossible to resist that warm, inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen—a total game changer for any cookie lover.
This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years, and I love making them for gatherings or just a cozy evening at home. There’s something so comforting about a cookie that feels indulgent yet simple, and trust me, gooey butter cookies check all the right boxes! They’re quick to whip up, and the ingredients are usually ones you have on hand. So, let’s get started on creating these delicious treats that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Gooey Butter Cookies
Getting these gooey butter cookies just right is a fun adventure! I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to make them all the time. Here’s how to whip them up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly!
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This will give your cookies that rich, gooey texture we’re after.
- Next, add in the sugar and mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is fluffy. Oh, you’ll love how sweet it smells already!
- Now, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—mix until everything is incorporated and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—just until you see no more flour streaks!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie; they’ll spread out a bit while baking.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. You want them to look a little underbaked in the middle—that’s what makes them gooey!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up just a bit while keeping that soft center.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly quick to prepare—whip them up in about 30 minutes!
- The texture is to die for: soft, chewy, and absolutely gooey in the center.
- Rich, buttery flavor that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- They stay fresh for days and are even better the next day—if they last that long!
- Customizable! You can add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your gooey butter cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. This really helps them blend smoothly and gives the cookies that rich, gooey texture we all crave!
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones. Nobody wants that!
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is a little different! If your cookies seem to bake too quickly or slowly, consider adjusting the temperature by 5-10 degrees. You want those edges just golden, not too dark!
- Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set up a bit while maintaining that gooey center. Patience pays off!
- Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just pop them in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a treat!
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a hint of lemon zest for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the amount of flour slightly if you add extra ingredients to maintain that gooey texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a gooey butter cookie master in no time! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind these delicious gooey butter cookies! Here’s a handy breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie. Remember, these are estimates, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy these delightful cookies knowing they bring a bit of sweetness to your day! Just keep in mind to savor them in moderation, as they are quite the indulgence!
FAQ Section
Got questions about gooey butter cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers:
How do I store leftover gooey butter cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, they freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them tightly or place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for about 3 months. Thaw them out in the fridge overnight whenever you’re ready for a tasty treat!
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can absolutely use salted butter! Just reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to about a quarter teaspoon. This will help keep the flavor balanced without being too salty.
Can I add mix-ins to gooey butter cookies?
Absolutely! I love adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. Just remember to keep an eye on the flour—if you’re adding a lot of extra ingredients, you might want to adjust the flour slightly to maintain that lovely gooey texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread out too much while baking, it could be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better!
With these answers in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering gooey butter cookies! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delightful gooey butter cookies and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh? No worries! Storing them is super easy. Just pop them into an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay nice and soft for about a week. You’ll want to make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to avoid any sogginess. Trust me, nobody wants a mushy cookie!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be gooey and delicious again!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your gooey butter cookies for days to come. Happy snacking!
Print
Gooey Butter Cookies: 7 Irresistible Bites of Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gooey butter cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
- Add sugar and mix until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gooey butter cookies, soft cookies, buttery cookies
