As the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, memories of cozy holiday gatherings come rushing back. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies have become my go-to treat, offering the perfect balance of soft texture and a luscious cream cheese center that simply melts in your mouth. The best part? This delightful recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a splendid addition to any festive celebration or holiday gift basket. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a heartwarming treat to share with family and friends. Ready to fill your home with warmth and sweetness? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies—you won’t want to miss how fun and festive they can be!
Why Are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Amazing?
Unforgettable Flavors: The rich, buttery taste combined with the creamy center creates a cookie experience unlike any other.
Ease of Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have cookies baking in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Festive Presentation: The snowy coating of powdered sugar and optional sprinkles make these cookies the superstar of any dessert table.
Versatile Treat: Feel free to experiment with cake mix flavors or add-ins like chocolate chips to suit every taste.
Nostalgic Baking: Reminiscent of cherished holiday memories, these cookies bring people together, whether for a cookie swap or a festive gathering.
When paired with a cozy cup of hot chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a festive favorite!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
• Ready to create these delightful treats? Here’s what you’ll need!
For the Cookie Base
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Provides sweetness and a tender crumb; feel free to swap for a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture; using salted butter can enhance the flavor.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – Creates that gooey center texture everyone loves; light cream cheese can help lighten up the calories.
- 1 large egg – Binds ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; opting for high-quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference.
For the Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating) – Creates that beautiful snow-dusted look for festive appeal.
- Red and green sprinkles (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fun, festive touch for an extra pop of color.
Now you have everything you need to make these scrumptious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 package of softened cream cheese until you achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should appear creamy and light, setting the perfect base for your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the buttery mixture. Continue to mix until everything is thoroughly combined, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You want the mixture to be smooth, with no lumps, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Cake Mix
Gradually add 1 box of yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid any mess. Continue mixing until the dough becomes thick and sticky, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The distinct yellow color and rich aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that you’re on your way to making delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies, preventing them from spreading too much during baking. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels slightly firmer to the touch.
Step 5: Preheat and Shape
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop the dough, rolling it into small balls with your hands. Then, roll the balls in powdered sugar until they are completely coated. The powdered sugar will give your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a beautiful, snowy appearance.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange the sugared dough balls on a lined baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set while the centers remain soft and slightly gooey, which is the hallmark of a perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period will help them set up nicely. For an extra festive touch, feel free to sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top while they’re still warm, adding to the holiday spirit of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to embrace your creativity and customize these cookies to suit your taste or dietary preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend to make this treat accessible for everyone.
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Vegan Delight: Use a plant-based butter and cream cheese alternative, along with a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan version.
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Chocolate Lovers: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a decadent twist that’s perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.
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Add Some Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delicious textural contrast against the soft, gooey center.
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Flavor Boost: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese.
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Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies to the dough or sprinkle on top for a refreshing holiday version.
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Fun Sprinkles: Instead of red and green, use seasonal-themed sprinkle colors to match your holiday party vibe.
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Marshmallow Filling: Place a mini marshmallow in the center of each dough ball before baking for an extra gooey surprise inside.
These delightful variations will ensure your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are always a hit and can easily adapt to various taste preferences. You can even serve them warm alongside a cozy mug of hot chocolate or with some festive hot beverages to really suit the season! Want more fun ideas? Check out our Ooey Gooey Cheesy or indulge in the sweetness of Biscoff Cookie Butter for your holiday gatherings!
Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.
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Underbake for Gooeyness: To achieve that signature gooey center, take the cookies out of the oven when they’re still slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
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Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the cake mix, mix just until combined to prevent a denser cookie texture—your aim is thick and sticky.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and vanilla extract to significantly enhance the flavor of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your dusting sugar or add festive sprinkles for a fun, colorful touch—it’s a great way to add personal flair!
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Imagine your holiday gathering, where laughter fills the air, and delicious aromas waft from the kitchen, creating the perfect backdrop for these delightful treats.
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Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy warmth of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the soft and gooey texture of these cookies, making every bite even more indulgent.
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Peppermint Coffee: A dash of peppermint in your coffee complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast with a festive twist.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible warm and cold dessert experience that everyone will love.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The bright flavors and freshness of a fruit salad balance the richness of the cookies, adding a refreshing crunch to your dessert table.
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Chewy Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over a warm cookie creates a decadent dessert option, enhancing their gooey center and adding a touch of sweetness.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink offers a creamy, spiced flavor that beautifully complements the festive spirit of these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider provides a cozy beverage choice, infusing your gathering with delightful fall flavors and enhancing the cookies’ holiday vibe.
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Gingerbread Cookies: For a fun dessert combo, serve these cookies alongside gingerbread for a festive feel, creating a sweet spread that highlights the season’s flavors.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and chilling it in the refrigerator. This ensures the dough retains its shape and the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and bake directly from the fridge. Just remember, if you’re refrigerating for longer than a few hours, cover the bowl tightly to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. With this simple prep, you’ll have delectable, gooey cookies ready to bring joy to your holiday gatherings with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they are in a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight; enjoy them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for that gooey texture.
Reheating: To reheat, place cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste just as delightful as when you first baked these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of cake mix should I use for these cookies?
You can use a box of yellow cake mix for the classic flavor that complements the buttery and creamy texture. If you have dietary restrictions, a gluten-free cake mix is a great alternative that works just as well!
How long can I store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers, preventing any sticking or squishing of the cookies.
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight; just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the dough being too warm or not chilled sufficiently. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. If they still spread, you can try adding a bit more flour to stiffen the dough next time.
Can I use substitutions for the ingredients?
Certainly! You can use a different flavor of cake mix, like chocolate or vanilla, to create fun variations. Additionally, you can substitute light cream cheese if you’re looking to reduce calories. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture.
Are there any dietary concerns I should be aware of?
Yes! These cookies contain gluten from the cake mix and dairy from the butter and cream cheese. Always check labels for allergens, especially if you’re serving to people with food sensitivities. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 package of softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the mixture. Mix until thoroughly combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 box of yellow cake mix, mixing on low speed until the dough becomes thick and sticky, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, scoop the dough and roll into small balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally, sprinkle with red and green sprinkles while warm.
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