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Gooey Monster Eye Cookies

These Gooey Monster Eye Cookies are soft, chewy, and spooky-cute — the perfect Halloween cookie recipe made with yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and candy eyeballs. With their bright green color and gooey texture, they’re easy to make, fun for kids, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any Halloween party.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • Green food coloring gel or liquid
  • Powdered sugar for rolling
  • Candy eyeballs various sizes for fun variation

Instructions
 

Make the dough base:

  • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.

Add the cake mix:

  • Gradually mix in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms. The texture should be soft but not sticky.

Color the dough:

  • Add green food coloring, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired bright monster-green shade.

Chill the dough:

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Shape the cookies:

  • Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar to coat completely.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake:

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
  • Add the monster eyes:
  • While the cookies are still warm, gently press candy eyeballs on top. Use different sizes and random placements for a fun “monster” effect.

Cool and serve:

  • Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Serve once cooled — or slightly warm for the ultimate gooey texture.

Notes

  • Chill is key: Cold dough prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
  • Vary the eyes: Mix different sizes of candy eyes to create silly, quirky monsters.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Color ideas: Use purple or orange coloring for variety — perfect for themed parties.
  • Make ahead: Dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored chilled until ready to bake.