If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances chocolatey richness with irresistibly soft, gooey texture, look no further than this Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies are like a little piece of heaven wrapped in powdered sugar, combining the dense, luscious qualities of a gooey butter cake with the convenience and fun size of a cookie. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering an explosion of chocolate flavor that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results with this Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Cookies Recipe means starting with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role — from the creaminess of the cream cheese and butter to the rich chocolate flavor of the cake mix, and the sweetness of powdered sugar that offers that classic finish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Provides a smooth, tangy base that keeps these cookies luxuriously moist.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create that tender, buttery crumb.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a natural binder and contributes to the perfect texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Fudge Moist Chocolate Cake Mix (15.25 ounces): The star ingredient that gives these cookies a deep chocolate fudgy taste.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used both in the dough coating to create a delicate crust and for dusting to finish.
How to Make Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating together your room-temperature cream cheese and butter in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. This creamy combo is key for the rich, gooey texture these cookies are famous for. Keep beating for about 3 minutes until everything is super smooth and blended.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. These will add moisture and boost the flavor complexity. It’s a small step but one that helps bring your cookie dough together perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Salt and Cake Mix
Now sprinkle in the salt and the entire box of chocolate cake mix. Beat on medium speed for about 1 and a half minutes until your dough looks smooth and homogenous. This rich cake mix is what brings that deep chocolate fudge essence.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling period firms up the dough so it’s easier to roll, ensuring uniform cookies that bake evenly and retain their gooey center.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
When the dough is chilled and ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl — this is your secret weapon to the perfect cookie coating.
Step 6: Roll and Coat the Dough Balls
Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each one in powdered sugar until they’re well coated. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to spread slightly while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for exactly 12 minutes. It’s important not to overbake since these cookies are meant to look and feel slightly wobbly when you take them out — that’s their signature gooey charm.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with More Sugar
Allow the baking tray to cool on a rack for about 2 minutes, then dust the cookies with more powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve. This extra touch adds a pretty, snowy finish and a hint of sweetness.
Step 9: Transfer to Cooling Rack
Move the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This step lets them set just enough on the outside while maintaining the lush, gooey inside.
Step 10: Final Powdered Sugar Dusting
If you want your cookies to look extra festive and delicious, go ahead and dust them with powdered sugar once more right before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar adds a snowy look that’s just as beautiful as it is tasty. For a decadently chocolatey spin, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or add a pinch of espresso powder in the dough for a subtle mocha kick.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance out the rich chocolate flavor. If you want to elevate it, serve alongside fresh berries or a warm cup of coffee for a truly indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar and dotted with edible flowers for a charming party display. Package them in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbon as homemade gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and gooey, but you can always refresh them with a few seconds in the microwave.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? You can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a lined tray and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or room temperature cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that gooey texture. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate cake mix instead of dark chocolate fudge?
Absolutely! Using regular chocolate cake mix will give you a slightly lighter chocolate flavor, but the cookies will still be deliciously gooey. Dark chocolate fudge cake mix just adds extra depth and richness.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar before coating?
While not mandatory, sifting powdered sugar ensures a smooth, lump-free coating that sticks well to the dough. It also helps create that delicate crust that’s signature to this recipe.
What’s the secret to the gooey texture?
The combination of cream cheese and butter, along with baking the cookies just for 12 minutes, keeps the center soft and gooey. Be careful not to overbake to preserve that perfect texture.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
You can try substituting vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter, but results might vary slightly since the fat content affects texture. Experimenting is fun, but expect a little difference in gooiness.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to handle and roll into balls. It also helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking, preventing them from spreading too thin and losing their gooey center.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Cookies Recipe captures everything you love about chocolate and gooey desserts in one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite. Don’t hesitate — grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this incredible chocolatey adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!
