Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies are the kind of treats that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. With their soft, tender texture and the pleasing tang of cream cheese, these cookies take just minutes to prepare and create a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. They are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a spontaneous weeknight treat, a casual gathering with friends, or a special event where you want to impress. Best of all, they stand in a league of their own compared to store-bought cookies.

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

What truly makes this recipe stand out is the simplicity. Using a box of cake mix means you don’t have to gather a sprawling list of ingredients. The result? Delicate cookies with incredible flavor that make your taste buds sing. Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to indulge in a batch of creamy, dreamy delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delightful cookies baking in your oven!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and rich butter results in a velvety texture and a subtly sweet flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies look as good as they taste, perfect for sharing.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them any time of the day—ideal for snacks, office treats, or even breakfast on the go!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can adapt the recipe to fit different dietary needs by exploring gluten-free cake mixes or vegan substitutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 15.25 oz. box white cake mix: This is the foundation of the recipe, adding sweetness and structure. You can substitute with lemon or vanilla cake mix for a flavor twist.
1 8 oz. brick cream cheese (softened): Cream cheese gives these cookies their rich, creamy texture. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor.
1/2 cup butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that soft texture. Room temperature butter is key for easy mixing.
1 egg: Acts as a binding agent, giving the cookies structure. Room temperature egg mixes in more smoothly.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on top): This sweet finishing touch gives the cookies a beautiful, snowy appearance.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly throughout.

Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Use a handheld mixer or mix by hand until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. This step is essential as it creates a soft base for your cookies.

Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the cream cheese and butter are well combined, add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be creamy and smooth, with the sweet aroma of vanilla emerging.

Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add the 15.25 oz. box of white cake mix to your wet ingredients. Mix until a thick, dough-like consistency forms. This is where the magic happens, transforming the simple ingredients into a delectable cookie dough.

Scoop the Dough: Using a medium scoop or about 1 ½ tablespoons, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet. Space the scoops about 2 inches apart for even baking.

Bake the Cookies: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. The edges should be set and perhaps appear a little undercooked in the center—that’s okay! They will continue to firm up as they cool, remaining soft and chewy.

Cool and Sprinkle: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the cookie sheet. When they have cooled, dust the tops with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for a sweet finish. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until they’re warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly over time, but a quick reheat can bring back that delightful softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best blending; this helps create that creamy texture without lumps.
Be cautious not to overmix after adding the cake mix; mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes and even baking.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
These cookies can also be made ahead of time—just freeze the dough in balls, then bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies are not just about taste; they’re an experience wrapped in a sweet little package. With their creamy texture and simple preparation, they provide a wonderful escape into the world of homemade goodness. I encourage you to tailor this recipe to your liking—whether that’s experimenting with different cake mixes, adding in your favorite mix-ins, or enjoying the original in its delightful simplicity.

Take a break from routine and bake a batch today—because life is too short not to enjoy a delicious cookie, especially one that comes together so effortlessly. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon, chocolate, or even red velvet cake mixes for a unique twist on this recipe. Each will give the cookies a distinctive flavor profile while maintaining that soft texture.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread excessively during baking, it could be because your butter was too warm or your oven temperature was off. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider using an oven thermometer to verify the accurate temperature.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit until it thickens) for a suitable egg-free version of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for the edges to set and the tops to appear slightly glossy. The cookies may look a bit underbaked in the center, which is perfect—they will continue to firm up as they cool. If the edges are golden brown, it’s time to take them out!

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Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies

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

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Description

These Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavor of cream cheese with a simple recipe. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for an easy, homemade cookie option that packs a punch of flavor!

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 the oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter using a handheld mixer until creamy in texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the cake mix, mixing until the batter is thick and fully combined.
Using a medium scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly undercooked.
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet before sprinkling the tops with powdered sugar.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature before mixing.
These cookies can be made ahead and frozen, maintaining their delicious flavor.
Sprinkling the powdered sugar after baking prevents it from melting into the cookies.