Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

If you have a love for irresistibly soft, luscious treats, then this Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a cookie that melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of creamy richness and sweet, buttery goodness. These cookies offer the ultimate indulgence with their signature gooey center and slightly crisp edges, crafted from a few simple ingredients that come together to make magic. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or a festive gathering, this Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe promises to deliver unforgettable flavor and texture that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step, and these essentials are all about bringing creamy, sweet, and soft textures to life in your cookies. Each element plays a key role, from the tangy cream cheese to the aromatic almond extract, creating a delicious harmony of flavors you won’t want to miss.

• ½ cup salted butter: Room temperature European-style butter is best for a rich, creamy foundation.
• 8 oz. cream cheese: Adds that signature tangy softness and gooey texture; make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the perfect cookie consistency.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder while adding richness; use room temperature for best results.
• 1 tsp almond extract: Gives a subtle, nutty aroma that lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, balancing softness with just enough chew.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (divided): Half is folded into the dough and the rest is perfect for rolling, ensuring a sweet, delicate crust.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly while keeping them tender and soft.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures your cookies begin baking at the perfect temperature, so they cook evenly and develop the ideal texture. Having all your ingredients at room temperature is key for a smooth blend and the right gooey softness.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth. This combo creates the creamy base that will make your cookies delightfully moist and luscious.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Almond Extract

Keep the mixer running as you add the egg, followed by the almond extract. These bring richness and that unique almond flavor that makes this Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe truly special.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ¼ cup powdered sugar. This dry mix balances the gooey creaminess with just enough structure to keep your cookies from spreading too much.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

On low speed, slowly add the dry mix into the creamy mixture. Mixing at this speed helps prevent overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Remove the dough bowl from the mixer, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough for easier handling and enhances the texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Line a large sheet pan with nonstick parchment paper, and pour the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar into a shallow bowl to coat your cookie dough balls. This coating creates a pretty, sugary crust on the outside after baking.

Step 8: Shape and Roll the Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls, then roll each immediately in the powdered sugar until fully coated. The sugary exterior adds to the sweetness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey inside.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place about 6 cookie dough balls on the prepared sheet and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are no longer wet and the edges feel firm. For those who love them extra soft and gooey, aim for the shorter bake time.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This allows the gooey center to set just right while keeping the edges tender.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the almond extract flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. Their rich texture complements beverages perfectly, making snack time feel extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries or edible flowers for a charming dessert display at parties. Or stack them as cookie sandwiches filled with a bit of cream cheese frosting for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their softness and gooey center while keeping them fresh enough to enjoy anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze cookie dough balls before baking by rolling them in powdered sugar, then placing in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too for up to 2 months, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive the gooey charm, gently warm the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This step melts the center slightly and refreshes their soft texture delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of European style?

Yes, regular cream cheese works just fine! European style is recommended for its richer flavor and creamier texture, but regular cream cheese will still yield deliciously gooey cookies.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute with vanilla extract for a classic flavor, or even a touch of lemon zest for a citrus twist. The almond extract just adds a special nutty note that makes these cookies unique.

How do I make sure my cookies are extra gooey?

Bake them on the shorter end of the time range and don’t overbake. The edges should be just firm while the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked for that signature gooey texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal portions. Keep in mind texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste amazing!

What’s the best way to shape the dough?

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop helps create evenly sized balls that bake consistently. Rolling them in powdered sugar immediately after scooping makes handling easier and adds a lovely crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile with each bite. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that you’ll want to bake again and again to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll be your go-to for a comforting, sweet delight that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fall in love with baking all over again!

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