Rainbow Chip Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies

Prep: 10 minCook: 15 min34 cookiesmedium
Rainbow Chip Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies

Soft, chewy cookies that combine the convenience of cake mix with the rich tang of cream cheese and butter. These colorful treats feature rainbow chip pieces throughout and a tender, almost cake-like texture that stays pleasantly gooey in the center. Perfect for birthday parties, school events, or any celebration where you want maximum flavor impact with minimal effort. The cream cheese base creates an irresistibly soft cookie that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Yield: 34 cookies
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
    Greek yogurt cream cheese1:1lighter

    slightly less tangy

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup butter, softened
    margarine1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    similar texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 egg
  • 1 box Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Party Rainbow Chip Cake Mix
    homemade vanilla cake mix1:1from-scratch

    more control over ingredients

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon Betty Crocker Decorating Decors rainbow mix, from 1.75-oz container

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 350°F

  2. 2

    Beat cream cheese and softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute until well blended, scrape side of bowl

  3. 3

    Beat in egg until smooth

  4. 4

    Beat in cake mix on low speed until blended

  5. 5

    Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets

  6. 6

    Sprinkle tops of cookies with rainbow sprinkles

  7. 7

    Bake 13 to 15 minutes until edges are light golden brown

  8. 8

    Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes, remove to cooling rack

  9. 9

    Cool completely about 20 minutes

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure cream cheese and butter are properly softened at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough texture.

Tip 2

Don't overbake - cookies should look slightly underdone in centers when you remove them for that perfect gooey texture.

Tip 3

Space cookies adequately as they spread during baking, and use parchment paper for easier removal if desired.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered in airtight container at room temperature

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead, store in airtight container

Serve With

Serve at room temperature for best texture

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix cake mix to avoid tough cookies

Watch

Don't overbake to maintain gooey centers

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
margarine1:1dairy-freedairy-free

similar texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

cream cheese
Greek yogurt cream cheese1:1lighter

slightly less tangy

Full guide →
cake mix
homemade vanilla cake mix1:1from-scratch

more control over ingredients

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, any boxed cake mix will work - chocolate, vanilla, or funfetti are great alternatives that will create similar textured cookies with different flavors.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months in freezer bags.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate dough up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months. Let come to room temperature before scooping and baking.