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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with color and flavor, the Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe takes the nostalgia of classic funfetti cake and transforms it into soft, chewy cookies layered with luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a fun weekend baking project, these cookies combine ease, whimsy, and indulgence in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture, richness, and color that these cookies are famous for.
- Funfetti cake mix (14.25-ounce package): The base of your cookies providing that signature sweet, colorful sprinkle-studded flavor.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces): Adds moisture and a tender crumb to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Large eggs (2): Binds the ingredients nicely while adding richness.
- Unsalted butter (16 tablespoons, softened): Half for the dough and half for the frosting – essential for creamy texture and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in both dough and frosting.
- Mix-ins of choice (1/2 cup): Optional fun additions like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to customize your cookies.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, brick-style softened): The star of the frosting, lending tang and creaminess that perfectly complements the sweet cake mix.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): For that smooth, sweet frosting with a perfect consistency.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your funfetti cake mix, instant pudding mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat these ingredients together until you get a thick, luscious dough — it might take a minute or two. If you’re adding any mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips, gently fold them in here to keep those colorful bursts intact.
Step 2: Form the Cookie Balls
Using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll the dough into smooth balls. This consistent sizing helps the cookies bake evenly. Chill these dough balls in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes; this step is key to keeping your cookies puffed up and soft instead of spreading too thin while baking.
Step 3: Bake with Care
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and encourage gentle browning. Arrange the chilled dough balls at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the cookie bottoms are just lightly browned — watch closely to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, soften your cream cheese to room temperature—microwaving in short bursts works wonders here. Beat the cream cheese with butter until silky smooth, then add vanilla extract and salt. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, starting slow to avoid dust clouds, then whip up the frosting on medium-high speed for a few minutes until dreamy and fluffy. If you want a firmer frosting, toss in an extra 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Chill the frosting for 20 to 30 minutes to thicken it just right for piping.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cookie Sandwiches
Once the cookies are completely cool, fill a piping bag fitted with a wide tip with the cream cheese frosting. Pipe a generous swirl onto one cookie, then gently sandwich it with another. Repeat this method for all your cookies to create those irresistible whoopie-pie style treats. For best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate overnight — this allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, let them warm to room temperature for that perfect bite.
How to Serve Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, sprinkle a few extra rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosting. These little touches add sparkle and whimsy, making each cookie look as joyful as it tastes!
Side Dishes
These colorful cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their sweet, creamy nature complements both warm and chilled beverages or desserts, making them a versatile sweet treat for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cookies into a festive dessert platter by arranging them on a bright cake stand or tray lined with colorful paper doilies. You can also serve them as part of a dessert buffet, stacked in towers or nestled inside decorative boxes for gifting. This Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shines anytime they’re styled with a bit of fun and flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and who wouldn’t?), store your frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days, with the frosting maintaining its creamy delight and the cookies remaining soft and tender.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough balls before baking and the finished whoopie pies after assembling. For dough balls, freeze on a tray first and then transfer to a sealed bag to avoid sticking. For frosted cookies, individually wrap each in plastic wrap and place them together in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To enhance that fresh-baked feel, warm your cookies slightly before eating. Pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly heat in a warm oven to soften the frosting and warm the cookies. Be cautious not to melt the frosting too much; you want that rich cream cheese texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of Funfetti?
Absolutely! While Funfetti is delightful for its colorful bits, you can swap in other cake mix flavors like chocolate or red velvet. Just remember that the flavor and color of your cookies will change accordingly, offering a great way to customize this recipe.
What mix-ins do you recommend?
Classic choices include rainbow sprinkles to boost festivity, mini chocolate chips for a rich bite, or chopped nuts for crunch. Feel free to experiment—this recipe is very forgiving and fun to personalize.
Why do you add instant pudding to the dough?
The pudding mix adds moisture and a soft texture that keeps these cookies tender and chewy without being cakey. It’s a little secret ingredient that makes a noticeable difference in cookie consistency.
Can I make the cookies dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting unsalted dairy-free butter and a cream cheese alternative made from coconut or nuts. Just note that the flavor and texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How long can I refrigerate the assembled cookies?
Once frosted and assembled, storing the whoopie pies in the refrigerator overnight or up to 3 days is ideal for the best flavor and texture. Longer storage might dry them out or affect the freshness of the frosting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a colorful, joyful dessert that’s as simple to make as it is irresistible to eat, you really must try the Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It brings together all the best parts of funfetti cake and creamy frosting in cookie form. Once you make them, you’ll have a new favorite sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just indulging yourself. Dive into this baking adventure—you won’t regret it!
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Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling and cooling time, plus overnight refrigeration recommended)
- Yield: 26 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are easy-to-make, colorful, and soft sandwich cookies layered with a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. Made with a simple cake mix and pudding base, these cookies are rolled into dough balls for a perfect puff, baked to a golden finish, then filled with a sweet, smooth frosting. Ideal for parties or a fun treat, these cookies combine convenience with delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (14.25-ounce) package Funfetti cake mix (or alternate flavor)
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mix-ins of choice (e.g., chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts)
Frosting
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, brick-style, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar (plus extra 1/4 cup optionally for thicker frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer or large bowl using a hand mixer, combine the Funfetti cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it forms a very thick dough, scraping down the sides as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly. If you choose to use mix-ins such as chocolate chips or sprinkles, gently fold them into the dough now.
- Form Dough Balls: Using about 1-1/2 tablespoons (approx. 30 grams) of dough per cookie, roll the dough into balls. Place the dough balls on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step helps the cookies hold their shape and remain puffy during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the chilled dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the bottoms are slightly browned but the cookies are not overbaked. Remove from oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Repeat baking with remaining dough balls.
- Make Frosting: Soften cream cheese by microwaving in 15 to 20 second bursts until it reaches room temperature. In a mixer, beat together 8 tablespoons softened butter and the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing well. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. For a thicker consistency, optionally add an extra 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Chill the frosting for 20 to 30 minutes before using to let it firm up.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, transfer the chilled frosting to a piping bag fitted with a wide tip. Pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the bottom side of one cookie and gently sandwich with another cookie on top to create a whoopie pie style sandwich. Repeat this for all cookies. Cover the assembled cookies tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight; this resting period softens the cookies and melds the flavors together. Before serving, allow the whoopie pies to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the Funfetti cake mix with any cake mix flavor of your choice to customize the cookies.
- Mix-ins such as chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or nuts add extra texture and flavor; add about 1/2 cup as desired.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy; baking too long will dry them out.
- Chilling the dough balls before baking is important for achieving thick, puffy cookies.
- Refrigerate the assembled cookies overnight to allow flavors to meld and soften the cookie texture for a tender bite.
