If you’ve been on the hunt for a buttery, soft, and irresistibly sweet treat, look no further than this Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the creaminess of cream cheese, the richness of butter, and just the right touch of almond extract to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Every bite is decadently soft with a perfectly gooey center that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) without hesitation. It’s a recipe I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you, because these cookies are not just delicious—they’re downright addictive and crowd-pleasing at any gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role—from the creamy texture provided by cream cheese and butter to the subtle nuttiness of almond extract—making these cookies so delectably soft and flavorful.
- ½ cup salted butter: Using room temperature European style butter ensures a creamy, rich base for the cookie dough.
- 8 oz. cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds that signature gooey texture, making these cookies unlike any other.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the golden color when baked.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Adds a fragrant, nutty aroma that complements the buttery richness beautifully.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, balancing the gooey interior with a tender crumb.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (divided): Half is mixed into the dough; the other half is for rolling, giving the cookies a delicate snowy finish.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures a light, slightly puffed texture, keeping the cookies from getting too dense.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step is simple but crucial—preheat your oven to 350°F. This temperature is just right to bake the cookies evenly, ensuring the edges get a gentle crisp while the centers stay soft and gooey.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until everything is smooth and velvety. This smooth base is what makes these cookies so wonderfully soft and creamy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Almond Extract
With the mixer running, add the egg, which brings all the richness together, followed by the almond extract for that signature hint of flavor. This is where that special cookie personality begins to shine.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and half of the powdered sugar. Stirring these separately before incorporating helps ensure even distribution without overworking the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mixing slowly prevents flour from dusting everywhere and keeps the dough tender and smooth, ready to chill.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Remove the dough from the mixer, cover it, and pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to scoop and helps retain its shape during baking.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Line a large sheet pan with nonstick parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the remaining powdered sugar in a shallow bowl—you’ll use this to coat the cookie dough balls before baking, creating that irresistible outer layer.
Step 8: Shape and Roll Cookies
Once chilled, use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to form dough balls. Immediately roll each ball in powdered sugar, which not only gives these cookies that lovely snowy look but adds a delightful texture and sweetness on the surface.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet, about six at a time. Bake for 10-11 minutes, watching carefully—the tops should lose their wet shine and the edges feel firm, but the centers remain soft. Shorter bake times keep the cookies extra gooey, just like their name promises.
Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to set slightly before transferring to a wire rack. This ensures they don’t break apart and keeps that perfect gooey texture intact when you take a bite.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are simply stunning on their own but feel free to sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh, snowy finish. For a twist, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a handful of finely chopped nuts adds wonderful texture and flair.
Side Dishes
Serve these buttery delights alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk—it’s the ultimate comfort combo. For an adult gathering, they pair beautifully with dessert wines or a frothy cappuccino, elevating the indulgence factor.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond a cookie plate? Stack the Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon to share with friends. Or create a cookie platter with fresh fruit and creamy dips for a fun party dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain their soft, gooey texture wonderfully—just make sure the container seals tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze the raw dough balls (rolled in powdered sugar) on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply pop them on your prepared pan—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warm feeling, reheat the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warm. This brightens up their gooey charm and melts the powdered sugar coating slightly, making each bite heavenly.
FAQs
What makes these Gooey Butter Cookies so “gooey”?
The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough creates an extra moist interior, while the shorter bake time ensures they stay soft and slightly underdone at the center, resulting in the perfect gooey texture.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
Absolutely! While almond extract provides a unique nutty flavor that’s signature to this recipe, vanilla extract will give the cookies a classic sweetness if that’s your preference or what you have on hand.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough before baking is key to helping the cookies hold their shape. Also, rolling the dough balls well in powdered sugar creates a slight barrier that helps maintain structure as they bake.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you can try a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter and cream cheese for its signature texture and flavor, so making it dairy-free would require significant substitutions. Using dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives might work, but the gooey texture could be compromised.
Final Thoughts
These Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe are a true celebration of soft, sweet, and buttery goodness that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy afternoon, these cookies bring joy and comfort with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it’s the cookie you’ve been dreaming about!
Print
Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Butter Cookies are delightfully soft and rich, featuring a creamy butter and cream cheese base sweetened with almond extract. Rolled in powdered sugar and baked to perfection, they have a tender, buttery crumb with a gooey center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cookie lovers looking for a luscious twist on the classic treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter (113g, room temperature, European style recommended)
- 8 oz. cream cheese (227g, room temperature)
- 1 large egg (50g, room temperature)
- 1 tsp almond extract (4g)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270g)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (12g)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (57g), divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Almond Extract: With the mixer running, add the egg, followed by the almond extract, incorporating them fully into the creamy mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ¼ cup of the powdered sugar to evenly distribute the leavening and sweetness.
- Mix Dry into Wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet cream cheese mixture, mixing just until smooth and combined.
- Chill the Dough: Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps with rolling and baking consistency.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Powdered Sugar: Line a large sheet pan with nonstick parchment paper. Place the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling the dough balls.
- Form and Roll Dough Balls: Once chilled, use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Immediately roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing six per batch, and bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the tops are no longer wet and the edges are set while maintaining a gooey center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and ensures the centers set perfectly.
Notes
- For best results, use European-style butter because of its higher fat content, which makes the cookies richer and softer.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and proper texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft and gooey in the center for optimal texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- The almond extract gives a subtle nutty flavor but can be substituted with vanilla extract if preferred.
