If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines soft, luscious centers with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ve come to the right place. This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe offers the perfect holiday indulgence that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. With a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy, and irresistibly gooey cookie, these treats quickly become a holiday favorite loved by kids and adults alike. Let me show you how to spread some Christmas cheer with this deliciously unique cookie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you only need a handful of pantry staples that magically transform into a soft, gooey delight. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the cream cheese that gives the cookie that signature tang and richness to the cake mix that provides structure and flavor. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a tender, tangy creaminess that makes the cookies irresistibly gooey.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Delivers a rich buttery flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for chewy softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, smooth notes.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Provides the base flavor and structure, making these cookies incredibly easy to whip up.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Creates a delicate, sweet coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie interior.
- Red and green sprinkles (optional): Perfect for adding a festive pop of color and holiday cheer.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until they become smooth and fluffy. This process is crucial because it sets the foundation for the cookie’s incredible texture—a creamy canvas for all the other flavors to build on.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, stir in the large egg and vanilla extract. This combination not only binds the dough but also introduces a subtle richness and warmth that perfectly balances the tangy cream cheese.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the yellow cake mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until a thick, sticky dough forms. The cake mix gives the dough structure, but keeping it slightly sticky ensures that the cookies bake up gooey on the inside while holding their shape on the outside.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is important because it firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their form during baking.
Step 5: Prepare and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in powdered sugar before placing them 2 inches apart on the sheet. If you want to embrace the holiday spirit fully, sprinkle red and green decorations on top. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—keep an eye out for edges that are set but with still-soft, gooey centers.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to finish setting. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period is key to maintaining the perfect gooey texture inside.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar and festive sprinkles already make these cookies look like holiday magic, consider dusting a tiny bit of cinnamon or edible glitter for an extra cozy touch. Nuts like finely chopped pistachios can add a delightful crunch and beautiful green contrast, too!
Side Dishes
These gooey cookies pair incredibly well with a warm cup of spiced tea, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a rich eggnog. The creamy texture and sweetness beautifully complement these festive drinks, creating a cozy holiday treat duo that guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For your next holiday party, arrange your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe on a striking holiday platter with fresh holly or pine sprigs as decoration. You can also gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons to share the joy. Layered in a festive cookie tin, these treats make unforgettable edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their delightful softness. If you prefer your cookies chilled, the refrigerator will keep them fresh for about 5 days, though they may firm up slightly and benefit from a brief warm-up before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight, roll in powdered sugar, and bake fresh. Cookies baked and then frozen also freeze well—just defrost at room temperature and enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked gooey warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, but watch closely to avoid overheating, which could dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use a cake mix flavor other than yellow?
Absolutely! This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with red velvet, funfetti, or even chocolate cake mix to create unique flavors that suit your holiday mood.
Why do my cookies lose their gooey texture?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. The cookies should be taken out when the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Cooling on the baking sheet helps them set correctly while preserving that gooey charm.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients, like sprinkles, are certified gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?
Yes! Kids will love helping roll the dough balls in powdered sugar and decorate with sprinkles. Just supervise oven use, and you’ll have a fun, easy holiday baking activity for all ages.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. Simply double all ingredients and bake on multiple sheets or in batches. Just keep the same baking time and temperature, checking cookies regularly to maintain their gooey center.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday game-changer. Its simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that feels luxurious without fuss, making it an ideal festive treat to whip up anytime you want to spread joy and sweetness. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become a beloved tradition in your kitchen—so go ahead and bake a batch today; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with cream cheese, butter, and yellow cake mix, these cookies boast a soft, gooey center and a delightful powdered sugar coating. Decorated with red and green sprinkles, they add a cheerful touch to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional Decoration
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Gradually add the cake mix and stir until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to handle when shaping the cookies.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add sprinkles: If desired, gently press red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake—cookies should remain soft and gooey in the center.
- Try different cake mix flavors such as red velvet or funfetti for a unique twist.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to achieve the perfect texture.
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent burning on the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
