Cream cheese cake mix cookies are a delightful treat, merging the richness of cream cheese with the simplicity of cake mix. These cookies are soft, chewy, and just sweet enough, making them a perfect companion for your afternoon coffee or an after-dinner dessert. With just a few ingredients and minimal time, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself, these cookies will surely hit the spot.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week, searching for something sweet but quick. The combination of cream cheese and cake mix intrigued me, promising a cookie that was both easy to make and delicious. After just one bite, I was hooked! With warm, gooey centers and a light dusting of powdered sugar that adds a touch of elegance, these cookies are nothing short of amazing. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy they bring!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 10 minutes, making it an excellent choice for last-minute cravings.
Irresistible Flavor: Cream cheese brings a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The powdered sugar on top gives them a fresh, charming look.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snack time, parties, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: With minor adjustments, these cookies can be made gluten-free or dairy-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 15.25 oz. box white cake mix: This is the base of your cookies, providing sweetness and structure. You can swap it with any flavored cake mix you like for a fun twist!
1 8 oz. brick cream cheese (softened): Adds moisture and richness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; you could use a dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
1/2 cup butter (softened): Butter contributes to the cookies’ chewiness and flavor. Stick with unsalted butter for balanced seasoning.
1 egg: This binds everything together. Using a room temperature egg helps in mixing thoroughly.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that elevates the cookie’s taste; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on top): This adds a sweet finish and a beautiful presentation. You can use granulated sugar if you’re in a pinch.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cookies right from the get-go!

Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened butter using a handheld mixer or by hand with a spatula. Mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is crucial—properly creaming the butter and cream cheese introduces air into the mixture, giving your cookies a lovely texture.

Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add 1 egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to your creamy blend. Mix until just incorporated, but avoid over-mixing as it can result in dense cookies.

Combine Cake Mix: Gradually add the 15.25 oz. box of white cake mix. Stir until the dough is well combined and thick. It will be quite sticky, but that’s perfectly normal!

Scoop the Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto a parchment-lined or silicone baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.

Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set. Don’t worry if they look a bit undercooked in the center; that’s how you achieve that delicious, soft texture!

Cool & Add Powdered Sugar: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the cookie sheet. Once cooled, dust the tops with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. This sweet touch not only looks lovely but also provides a delightful flavor contrast.

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your cookies later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; just make sure to wrap each cookie individually or stack them with parchment paper in between, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth dough.
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they are done.
For extra flavor, consider adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
You can easily double the recipe if you’re expecting a crowd or want extra for your freezer.
If you’re pressed for time, try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking for the same soft texture while cutting some prep time.

The combination of sweet and subtle tanginess will have you making these cookies repeatedly. Don’t shy away from experimenting; whether you mix in a bit of zest or choose a different cake mix flavor, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of baking, and be sure to share the magic of these cookies with family and friends!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can switch it up and use chocolate, lemon, or any other flavor of cake mix you enjoy. Each variation will offer its unique twist on these delicious cookies.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This re-solidifies the fats and helps maintain their shape as they bake.

Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?

You can, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Cream cheese cookies made with butter typically taste richer and more decadent, whereas margarine might yield a slightly different texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set and lightly golden; the centers will appear soft but not wet. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet!

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📖 Recipe Card

Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 24 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies are delightful, soft treats packed with creamy flavor. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 15.25 oz. box white cake mix
1 8 oz. brick cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, using a handheld mixer or mixing by hand.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
Gradually add the white cake mix and mix until the dough is well combined and thick.
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set. The centers may appear slightly undercooked, which is fine.
Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing.
For variety, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before baking.
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.