Name: Homemade Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup butter; 1 egg; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 18¼ oz box white cake mix; 1 cup sprinkles

Nothing beats the rich, creamy taste of homemade butter cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion and bring a touch of sweetness to your day. With a simple mix of ingredients, you'll be on your way to baking cookies that are not only delicious but also fun to make.

Photos of Homemade Butter Cookies Recipe

While most of the ingredients for these cookies are likely already in your pantry, you may need to pick up cream cheese and a box of white cake mix if they aren't staples in your home. Both items should be easy to find in the dairy and baking aisles of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Homemade Butter Cookies

cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the cookies, making them soft and delightful.

butter: Essential for the buttery taste and texture that defines these cookies.

egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.

vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.

white cake mix: A convenient base that simplifies the cookie-making process while adding sweetness and structure.

sprinkles: Adds a fun and colorful touch to the cookies, making them festive and visually appealing.

One reader, Gilbertine Diamond says:

These homemade butter cookies are delightful! The cream cheese adds a rich flavor, and the sprinkles make them fun and festive. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Highly recommend!

Gilbertine Diamond

Mastering the Art of Butter Cookie Making

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to the desired temperature (350 degrees F in this case) and allow it to reach that temperature before baking. How to line a sheet pan: Place parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat on the sheet pan to prevent the cookies from sticking. How to beat ingredients: Use a mixer to combine ingredients until they are fluffy and thoroughly mixed. How to chill dough: Place the bowl of dough in the refrigerator for the specified amount of time (30 minutes) to firm up the dough. How to roll dough into balls: Use your hands to shape the dough into 1-inch balls. How to coat in sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in sprinkles until they are fully covered. How to bake cookies: Place the dough balls on the sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for the specified time (10 to 12 minutes) until the edges are set. How to cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet pan for 5 to 7 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. How to store cookies: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.

How To Make Homemade Butter Cookies

Enjoy a sweet treat with these homemade butter cookies which is a handheld version of the famous cake rolled in sprinkles for an irresistible look.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozcream cheese,softened
½cupbutter,softened
1egg
½tspvanilla extract
18¼ozbox white cake mix
1cupsprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
Place the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a mixer and beat until fluffy and thoroughly combined for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla, and white cake mix to the bowl. Beat on low speed until just combined.
Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough into 1 inch balls, then coat each ball in sprinkles. Place 2 inches apart on the sheet pan. You will need to work in batches.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges is just set. Cool for 5 to 7 minutes then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat the process with the remaining cookie dough.
Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 193.13kcal
Fat: 9.59g
Saturated Fat: 4.66g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.20g
Carbohydrates: 25.56g
Fiber: 0.19g
Sugar: 20.39g
Protein: 1.80g
Cholesterol: 27.23mg
Sodium: 180.79mg
Calcium: 52.88mg
Potassium: 42.17mg
Iron: 0.37mg
Vitamin A: 69.80µg
Vitamin C: 0.06mg

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies Every Time

For a smoother dough, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures they blend together more easily and create a uniform texture in your cookie dough.

Time-Saving Tips for Homemade Butter Cookies

Soften ingredients: Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing to ensure they blend quickly and smoothly.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop helps form uniform dough balls quickly, saving time and ensuring even baking.

Chill efficiently: Spread the dough thinly on a baking sheet before chilling to reduce the cooling time.

Batch baking: Prepare multiple sheet pans so you can rotate them in and out of the oven without waiting for one to cool.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the mixing process.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Butter Cookies Recipe

cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative in baking recipes.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the texture and moisture content of butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This works well as a binding agent in cookies.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile that can complement the other ingredients.
white cake mix - Substitute with yellow cake mix: Yellow cake mix has a similar texture and sweetness, though it may impart a slightly richer flavor due to the use of whole eggs.
sprinkles - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips add a different texture and flavor, providing a delightful twist to the cookies.

Creative Ways to Serve Homemade Butter Cookies

Use a pristine white plate: Select a large, pristine white plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the sprinkles and the golden hue of the butter cookies.
Create a cookie tower: Stack the butter cookies in a neat tower, alternating the direction of each cookie to create visual interest and height.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the butter cookies with powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
Incorporate fresh berries: Place a few fresh raspberries and blueberries around the base of the cookie tower to add a pop of color and a fresh, fruity contrast.
Drizzle with white chocolate: Drizzle a fine stream of melted white chocolate over the butter cookies for an extra layer of flavor and a sophisticated finish.
Garnish with mint leaves: Add a few small mint leaves around the plate to introduce a fresh, green element that complements the sweetness of the butter cookies.
Serve with a side of cream cheese dip: Prepare a small bowl of cream cheese dip, flavored with a hint of vanilla extract and a touch of powdered sugar, to serve alongside the butter cookies for an indulgent dipping option.
Finish with a touch of edible gold leaf: Apply a few small pieces of edible gold leaf to the top of the cookie tower for a luxurious and eye-catching final touch.

Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Baking Butter Cookies

Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sheet pan: A flat, rectangular metal pan used to hold the cookie dough balls while they bake.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the sheet pan, preventing the cookies from sticking.
Nonstick baking mat: An alternative to parchment paper, providing a reusable non-stick surface for baking.
Mixer: An electric appliance used to beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy and to combine all ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl where the ingredients are combined and mixed.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the butter and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure small quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract.
Spatula: A tool used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Wire rack: A rack used to cool the cookies completely after they have been baked.
Spoon: Used to scoop out the dough and form it into balls.
Bowl: A smaller bowl to hold the sprinkles for coating the dough balls.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Butter Cookies

Once the butter cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies.
If you want to keep the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour or until they are firm. This initial freezing step prevents the cookies from sticking together when stored.
After the butter cookies are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To prevent freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can also warm them up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft and chewy texture.
If you plan to decorate the butter cookies with icing or frosting, it's best to do so after thawing them. This ensures that the decorations adhere properly to the surface of the cookies.

Surprising Facts About Butter Cookies You Didn't Know

A fun fact about this recipe is that using cake mix as a base for cookies can save time and ensure consistent results, making it a popular shortcut for home bakers.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Butter Cookies

This homemade butter cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and a box of white cake mix are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. The addition of sprinkles adds a festive touch without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10 USD, making it an affordable and delightful dessert option.

Are Butter Cookies a Healthy Snack Option?

This butter cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - cream cheese, butter, and white cake mix - are all high in saturated fats and refined sugars. Consuming these ingredients in excess can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, which are essential for a balanced diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content
Use a whole wheat or almond flour-based cake mix instead of white cake mix to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
Reduce the amount of sprinkles used or opt for a healthier topping, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit, to decrease the added sugar content
Incorporate some oats or ground flaxseed into the dough to boost the fiber and nutrient profile of the cookies
Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates to replace some of the refined sugar

By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of these butter cookies without compromising too much on taste and texture. Remember, moderation is key, and even healthier treats should be enjoyed in reasonable portions as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Take on This Classic Butter Cookie Recipe

This recipe for homemade butter cookies is a delightful twist on the classic, incorporating cream cheese for added richness and a boxed cake mix for convenience. The use of sprinkles adds a fun, colorful touch, making these cookies visually appealing. Chilling the dough ensures the cookies maintain their shape during baking. However, the reliance on a cake mix may limit flavor customization. Overall, it's a straightforward and enjoyable recipe, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick, festive treat.

Enhance Your Homemade Butter Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Fruit Salad: Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these delightful butter cookies with a vibrant fruit salad. Imagine a medley of berries, kiwi, and pineapple tossed in a light honey and lime dressing. The fresh, zesty flavors will perfectly complement the rich, creamy texture of the cookies.

Chocolate Fondue: Create a decadent dessert spread by serving the butter cookies alongside a luscious chocolate fondue. Dip the cookies into the warm, melted chocolate and enjoy the ultimate indulgence. Add some strawberries, marshmallows, and banana slices for an extra touch of fun and flavor.

Vanilla Ice Cream: For a classic and comforting combination, serve the butter cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth ice cream will provide a delightful contrast to the soft, buttery cookies. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Lemon Curd: Add a tangy twist to your dessert by pairing the cookies with a dollop of lemon curd. The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon will cut through the richness of the cookies, creating a perfectly balanced bite. Serve with a garnish of mint leaves for a touch of freshness.

Berry Compote: Enhance the flavor profile of your butter cookies with a homemade berry compote. Simmer blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with a hint of sugar and lemon zest until they form a thick, luscious sauce. The sweet and slightly tart compote will add a burst of fruity goodness to each bite.

Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Butter Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Indulge in the classic delight of chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for any dessert lover. The rich chocolate chunks melt in your mouth, making each bite a heavenly experience.

Snickerdoodle Cookies: Experience the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodle cookies. These soft and chewy treats are rolled in a delightful cinnamon and sugar mixture, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for a cozy afternoon snack.

Peanut Butter Cookies: Savor the nutty, rich flavor of peanut butter cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the creamy taste of peanut butter. They are a perfect treat for dessert enthusiasts who love a bit of savory in their sweets.

Lemon Sugar Cookies: Brighten your day with the zesty and refreshing taste of lemon sugar cookies. These cookies are soft and buttery with a hint of lemon zest, making them a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. Ideal for a light and refreshing dessert.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Enjoy the wholesome and comforting taste of oatmeal raisin cookies. These cookies are chewy and packed with oats and plump raisins, offering a delightful texture and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a hearty snack or a satisfying dessert.

Appetizers and Entrées to Serve with Butter Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. These bite-sized treats feature mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. The filling is enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan, creating a creamy, flavorful bite. Bake them until golden brown for a warm, comforting appetizer that pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine.

Caprese Skewers: Caprese Skewers offer a fresh and vibrant start to your meal. These skewers are a colorful combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil for a burst of flavor. They are easy to assemble and provide a refreshing, light bite that is perfect for any gathering.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your dinner with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, offering a delightful balance of tangy and savory flavors. Serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a hearty quinoa pilaf for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Delight your taste buds with Stuffed Bell Peppers. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, all seasoned with a blend of spices that bring out the best in each ingredient. Baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is perfectly cooked, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.

Why trust this Homemade Butter Cookies Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and butter to create irresistibly soft and flavorful cookies. The addition of white cake mix ensures a consistent and delightful texture, while the sprinkles add a fun and colorful touch. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Trust in the tried-and-true combination of these classic ingredients to deliver a delicious treat every time.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this homemade butter cookies recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Let's discuss any tips, variations, or memories associated with baking these classic treats!

FAQ:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?

I wouldn't recommend it. Low-fat cream cheese can change the texture and flavor of the cookies. Stick with the regular kind for the best results.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to roll into balls. It also helps the flavors meld together.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be just set and slightly golden. They might look a bit underdone in the center, but they'll firm up as they cool.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They should last for up to 3 months in the freezer.