Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic butter cookie, perfect for sharing during the romantic season. These cookies are soft and chewy with rich flavors, thanks to a combination of cream cheese and butter. With a sugary coating that glistens and a sprinkle of festive colors, they’re ideal for Valentine’s Day gatherings or a sweet treat for yourself!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

The first time I made these cookies, friends were over for a casual gathering. We had a warm, cozy kitchen filled with laughter, and as the cookies baked, the sweet aroma wafted through the house. Everyone was eagerly asking when they’d be ready! The moment we took the first bite, it was love at first taste. Soft, gooey, and sweet, they were utterly addictive. Now, they’re a staple in my baking repertoire, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in just 15 minutes plus 25 minutes of baking time!
Irresistible Flavor: Cream cheese and butter create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful sprinkles on top make them visually appealing for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, gifting, or bringing to any get-together.
Budget-Friendly: Made with just a few pantry staples, these cookies won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and depth. Always use unsalted butter to maintain control over the cookie’s salt content.
1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Delivers a creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to give the cookies structure. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): The key ingredient that simplifies the process and adds sweetness. Don’t substitute with regular flour, as the texture will be off.
1 cup powdered sugar: This coats the cookies for a delightful sweetness and snowy appearance. You can use granulated sugar for a different look, but the texture won’t be as soft.
Red and green sprinkles for decorating: These add a festive touch and a pop of color. Feel free to switch up the colors based on the occasion!

How to Make Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop the perfect texture.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually add 1 box (15.25 ounces) of yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is fully combined; the dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Don’t worry, this is what gives the cookies their gooey texture!

Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This part can get a bit messy, but the end result is totally worth it! A small cookie scoop can help make this step easier and more uniform.

Coat in Powdered Sugar: In a shallow bowl, add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until thoroughly coated. This adds sweetness and creates that charming snowy appearance on the cookies.

Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. This spacing ensures they have room to spread while baking.

Bake the Cookies: Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they can overbake quickly, and you want to retain that soft gooey center.

Sprinkle and Cool: Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with red and green sprinkles. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh their gooey texture, but beware, too long can dry them out!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature; this makes mixing easier and yields a better dough.
If your dough seems too sticky when rolling, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Overbaking can lead to crisper cookies, so watch for those slight golden edges; they should be soft when you take them out.
Want a flavor twist? Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract in place of half the vanilla for a unique taste.
For larger cookies, simply increase the dough ball size, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
You can prepare the dough ahead of time. Refrigerate it overnight and bake fresh cookies whenever cravings hit!

These delightful Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies blend the warm, comforting taste of butter cookies with a rich cream cheese base, topped with colorful sprinkles that bring in the fun. With their irresistibly soft and gooey centers, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or flavors—who knows what delicious twists you might create!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for these cookies?

Yes, absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, using chocolate or any other flavor can create a new spin on these cookies. Just remember that it may change the overall taste and appearance.

How can I make these cookies without cream cheese?

If you prefer not to use cream cheese, try substituting it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture, making them less gooey but still delicious!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much on the sheet?

If your cookies are flattening out, it may be due to warm dough. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. This can often make a big difference in cookie domes.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are done when the edges turn a light golden brown; the center may still look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for that gooey texture. If unsure, give them a gentle poke; they should feel soft but not liquid.

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Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: COOKIES
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Valentine Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat with their creamy texture and sweet flavor. Simple to make with buttery cream cheese and yellow cake mix, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones during special occasions or just because!

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
1 cup powdered sugar
red and green sprinkles for decorating

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until fully incorporated.
Form the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in powdered sugar.
Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately decorate with red and green sprinkles.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make sure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Feel free to use different colored sprinkles to match the occasion.