Ooey Gooey Monster Cookie Recipe: Fun and Festive Cake Mix Cookies

can’t wait to share this super fun and colorful Monster Cookies recipe with you! Whether you’re getting ready for Halloween or just want to brighten up a weekend baking session, these Monster Cookies are perfect. Made with a simple cake mix and packed with gooey cream cheese goodness, these Monster Cookies are both playful and delicious. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them because who can resist Monster Cookies?

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Why You’ll Love These Monster Cookies

These monster cookies are an absolute blast to make, and here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Easy to whip up: With cake mix as the base, you’ll have these cookies ready in a flash.
• Eye-catching and vibrant: The neon food coloring and candy eyeballs give them a super festive “monster” vibe.
• Soft, chewy texture: Thanks to the cream cheese and butter, these cookies stay wonderfully gooey in the center.
• Perfect for any event: Whether it’s a kid’s birthday, a Halloween party, or just a weekend treat, these cookies are always a hit!

The Taste of Monster Cookies

Biting into one of these cookies is pure joy! The flavor is lightly sweet with a soft vanilla base, and the powdered sugar adds a delicate crunch. But it’s the gooey, creamy center that truly makes these cookies special. Plus, the candy eyeballs on top give them a quirky, adorable look—perfect for making memories in the kitchen with your little ones!

Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Monster Cookies

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create these fun, colorful cookies:

• 1 box white cake mix – Makes this recipe a breeze.
• 1/2 cup butter (softened) – Adds richness to the dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – For that signature gooey, soft texture.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the dough together.
• Powdered sugar – Used for rolling the cookie dough balls.
• Food coloring – I recommend using neon colors for that bold monster look.
• Candy eyeballs – To give the cookies their fun, monster faces.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Cooling rack

How to Make Ooey Gooey Monster Cookies

These cookies come together in just a few steps, and they’re perfect for making with kids!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and egg until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures the dough is creamy and smooth, which is key for that gooey texture.

Step 2: Add Cake Mix

Gradually add the cake mix into the bowl, mixing until everything is well combined. The dough will start to thicken up, and that’s exactly what you want! Divide the dough into smaller bowls if you’re planning to make different colored batches.

Step 3: Add Food Coloring

Stir in the food coloring to each portion of dough, mixing until the colors are fully combined and vibrant. I love using neon food coloring for that extra pop, but any bright colors will work.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring that the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once the dough is chilled, roll it into small balls and coat each one generously in powdered sugar. This step adds a lovely crinkly texture to the finished cookies.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dough balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and gently press them down with your hand. Bake the cookies in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 7: Decorate With Candy Eyes

While the cookies are still warm, press the candy eyeballs into the tops. The heat will help the eyes stick, giving your cookies their signature monster look!

What to Serve With Monster Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with:

• A glass of cold milk – Classic combo!
• A scoop of ice cream – Make a fun monster ice cream sandwich.
• Hot cocoa – Perfect for cozy, cool-weather days.

For more Halloween-inspired treats, check out my Rice Krispie Treat Mummies or these Candy Corn Jello Cups.

Tips for the Best Monster Cookies

1. Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
2. Use a cookie scoop: This makes it easier to form evenly sized cookies, ensuring that they bake consistently.
3. Press the eyes in while warm: The warmth of the cookie will help the candy eyeballs adhere and stay put.

Storage Instructions

These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, just let them thaw at room temperature and they’ll be good as new!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! You can use any flavor of cake mix, like yellow or funfetti for added sprinkles.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into balls first and store them in an airtight container. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Not at all! You can skip the food coloring if you prefer, but the bright colors are what give these cookies their fun, monster vibe.

What if I don’t have candy eyeballs?

No problem! You can use chocolate chips as eyes or simply leave them off for a more classic cookie.

For more spooky fun, check out these Jack-o-Lantern Cupcakes—another perfect recipe for Halloween!

Conclusion

These ooey gooey monster cookies are an absolute delight, both to bake and to eat! Whether you’re making them for Halloween, a party, or just for fun, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. The simple cake mix base and bright, playful decorations make them perfect for bakers of any skill level. I can’t wait for you to try them!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other fun and festive treats. And don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest. I’d love to see your monster cookies!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 69 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 67mg

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