Cake mix cookies cream cheese have become my absolute go-to for a quick, delightful treat. I remember the first time I tried making them; I was looking for an easy dessert for a last-minute gathering, and these cookies were a revelation! The combination of the tender cake mix and the rich, tangy cream cheese creates a cookie that’s both incredibly soft and perfectly chewy. The aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is just heavenly, a sweet promise of the deliciousness to come. If you’re searching for a simple way to impress, these easy cake mix cookies cream cheese are your answer. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
You’re going to adore these cookies for so many reasons!
- They deliver an incredibly soft and chewy texture with a delightful tang from the cream cheese.
- The prep time is astonishingly short – you can have dough ready in about 10 minutes!
- These cake mix cookies cream cheese are surprisingly budget-friendly, using pantry staples you likely already have.
- They’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages, making them perfect for family baking sessions.
- The subtle sweetness and moistness make them incredibly satisfying.
- Cleanup is a breeze, especially if you use parchment paper.
- You get a delicious, homemade taste without the fuss of traditional cookie recipes.
- These simple cake mix cookies cream cheese are a guaranteed win for any occasion.
Ingredients for Delicious Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these simple and delightful cake mix cookies cream cheese. The magic really happens with a few key components that come together so easily.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This is crucial for that signature tangy flavor and incredibly moist texture in our cake mix cookies with cream cheese. Make sure it’s truly softened, not melted!
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Like the cream cheese, softened butter helps create a smooth batter and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- 1 large egg – An egg binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor enhancer that complements the vanilla notes from the cake mix and cream cheese beautifully.
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix – This is the base for our cookies, providing sweetness and that familiar cake-like texture. You can swap this for other flavors, but white cake mix is perfect for showcasing the cream cheese.
- Sprinkles or powdered sugar, for decorating – These are optional but add a festive touch and a little extra sweetness!
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
Bringing these easy cake mix cookies cream cheese to life is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from simple ingredients to warm, delicious cookies. It’s a process that even beginners can master, and the results are always impressive!
- Step 1: First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: Grab your mixer and combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat them together until they’re wonderfully creamy and smooth. You want a good, fluffy base for your dough.
- Step 3: Now, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix these in until everything is completely smooth and well combined. The aroma of vanilla is already starting to hint at the deliciousness to come!
- Step 4: It’s time for the star ingredient – the cake mix! Add the entire box of white cake mix to the bowl. Mix it all together until the batter is thick and everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; we want a tender cookie.
- Step 5: Prepare your decorating station. Pour sprinkles or powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. This is where the fun begins!
- Step 6: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 inches), scoop out portions of the dough. Gently roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, uniform balls. This helps ensure even baking.
- Step 7: Roll each dough ball in the sprinkles or powdered sugar until it’s coated all over. This adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.
- Step 8: Arrange the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between them, as they will spread a bit while baking.
- Step 9: Bake for 9–11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and lightly golden, while the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up enough to be moved. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade easy cake mix cookies cream cheese!
Pro Tips for the Best Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
Want to guarantee your cookies are absolutely perfect every time? I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate these simple treats. Following these tips will ensure your cake mix cookies cream cheese are a smashing success!
- Always make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened, not melted. This is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much and becoming flat.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the cake mix. Just mix until it’s combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- For extra flavor, try using a flavored extract like almond or lemon, or even adding a tablespoon of citrus zest to the dough.
- If you want a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
What’s the secret to perfect cake mix cookies cream cheese?
The real secret to achieving the best cake mix cookies cream cheese is the combination of softened cream cheese and butter, which creates a tender, moist crumb. Plus, not overmixing the dough after adding the cake mix is crucial for that perfect texture.
Can I make cake mix cookies cream cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls, roll them in sprinkles or powdered sugar, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as usual, adding a minute or two if they’re very cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with cake mix cookies cream cheese?
The most common pitfall is using melted butter or cream cheese, which causes excessive spreading. Another mistake is overmixing the dough, leading to a tougher cookie. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for consistent baking! For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.
Best Ways to Serve Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
These delightful cake mix cookies cream cheese are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few other treats. For a classic pairing, serve them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They’re also wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert experience. If you’re feeling fancy, consider a simple dollop of cake mix cookies cream cheese frosting on top or even a light drizzle of chocolate ganache. These cookies are so versatile, they’ll be the star of any dessert table!
Nutrition Facts for Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
When you’re enjoying these delightful cake mix cookies cream cheese, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. These estimates are based on a single cookie, offering a sweet treat without being too heavy.
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for different cake mix flavors or add-ins. For more information on nutritional data, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
Once your delicious cake mix cookies cream cheese have cooled completely on the wire rack, it’s time to think about keeping them fresh. Proper storage is key to maintaining that wonderful soft and chewy texture. To store cake mix cookies cream cheese, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delightfully fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want them to last even longer, you can refrigerate them, and they’ll be good for up to a week. For longer-term preservation, freezing is your best bet; wrap them well and they’ll keep for up to 3 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, you have a couple of options. You can simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, which is the gentlest method. If you’re craving them sooner, you can gently reheat them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for just a few minutes until they are warmed through. This reheating method really brings back that fresh-baked flavor and texture. For more dessert ideas, explore our dessert recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese
What are cake mix cookies cream cheese?
Cake mix cookies cream cheese are incredibly simple, soft, and chewy cookies made using a box of cake mix and cream cheese as the primary ingredients. They’re a fantastic shortcut to delicious homemade cookies, offering a tender texture with a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese.
Why use cream cheese in cake mix cookies?
Using cream cheese in your cake mix cookies cream cheese recipe is the secret to their incredibly moist and tender texture. It adds a lovely subtle tang that balances the sweetness and prevents them from becoming dry, ensuring a delightful chewiness with every bite.
Can I use different flavors of cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While the white cake mix is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Chocolate, lemon, red velvet, or even strawberry cake mix will work beautifully and give your cake mix cookies cream cheese a whole new personality. Just be aware that darker cake mixes might make it harder to see if the cookies are done.
How do I get my cake mix cookies cream cheese to be chewy?
To achieve that perfect chewy texture in your cake mix cookies cream cheese, it’s all about the bake time. Slightly underbake them – pull them out when the edges look set but the centers still appear a little soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, leaving you with wonderfully chewy cookies.
Variations of Cake Mix Cookies Cream Cheese You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for cake mix cookies cream cheese, the possibilities for customization are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different flavors and textures. For a rich and decadent treat, try making chocolate cake mix cookies cream cheese by using a chocolate cake mix. If you prefer something bright and zesty, a lemon cake mix will give you delightful lemon cake mix cookies cream cheese. For a classic, crowd-pleasing option, stick with the simple elegance of vanilla cake mix cookies cream cheese. You can also create festive funfetti cake mix cookies cream cheese by using a funfetti cake mix, or even vibrant red velvet cake mix cookies cream cheese for a special occasion. And for a fruity twist, experiment with strawberry cake mix cookies cream cheese for a burst of berry flavor!
Cake Mix Cookies Cream: 10 Minute Wonder
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the easiest way to make soft, chewy, and flavorful cake mix cookies with cream cheese. This simple recipe uses a white cake mix and cream cheese for delicious results in minutes. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be customized with your favorite cake mix flavors and decorations.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- Sprinkles or powdered sugar, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add the cake mix and mix until the batter is thick and well combined.
- Place sprinkles or powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Using a medium scoop, shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them smooth in your palms.
- Roll each ball in sprinkles or powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between them.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look cooked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use different cake mix flavors like yellow, lemon, chocolate, or red velvet.
- Add chocolate chips, peppermint, or nuts for extra flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze dough balls and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened, not melted, to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Use high-quality sprinkles designed for baking to prevent them from melting in the oven.
- For gluten-free cake mix cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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