I love making these Gooey Monster Cookies whenever I want something fun, colorful, and festive. They’re soft, chewy cake mix cookies rolled in powdered sugar and topped with candy eyeballs for a playful monster look. They’re especially perfect for Halloween or themed parties, but honestly, I like baking them year-round just to bring a little joy to the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like these cookies because they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients, and the decorating is simple but impressive. Using cake mix keeps the dough soft and gooey, while food coloring and candy eyes make them fun for kids (and adults too). They’re the kind of treat that makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box cake mix (any flavor, but vanilla or white works best for coloring)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (assorted colors like green, orange, purple, or blue)
Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Candy eyeballs (various sizes for a monster effect)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, I beat the butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla until fluffy.
I mix in the dry cake mix until a soft dough forms.
I divide the dough into separate bowls and add different food coloring to each one, mixing until the colors are vibrant.
I cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Once chilled, I roll the dough into 1-inch balls, coat them generously in powdered sugar, and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
I gently flatten each ball and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until set but still soft.
While the cookies are still warm, I press candy eyeballs into the tops.
I let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Sometimes I use chocolate cake mix for darker, spookier monsters.
Holiday sprinkles can be added along with the candy eyes for extra color.
I like to mix different sizes of eyeballs for a sillier, more “monster-y” look.
If I want extra flavor, I stir in a handful of white chocolate chips or M&Ms.

Storage/Reheating

I store baked cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. If I want to make the dough ahead of time, I freeze the rolled dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. I thaw them before baking and coat them in powdered sugar right before they go into the oven.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cake mix?

Yes, I often use vanilla or white so the food coloring shows up well, but chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mix works too.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting into the dough?

I roll the dough generously in powdered sugar and make sure the dough is well chilled before baking.

Do I bake the cookies with the candy eyes?

No, I always add the eyes after baking while the cookies are still warm. If I bake them, they melt or burn.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare and chill the dough in advance, then bake the cookies fresh when I’m ready.

Why is my dough too sticky?

If the dough feels too sticky even after chilling, I add a tablespoon or two of flour to firm it up.

Conclusion

Gooey Monster Cookies are one of my favorite playful treats to make, especially around Halloween. They’re soft, colorful, and just a little spooky—but mostly fun. I love how easy they are to customize with colors and candy eyes, and they always bring a smile to anyone who sees (or eats) them.