Name: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: Soft, Chewy Holiday Treats
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese (Softened); 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); 1 Large Egg (Can swap for unsweetened applesauce); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Or peppermint extract for a twist); 15.25 oz Yellow Cake Mix (Can substitute with white or vanilla mix); 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (For rolling dough balls); 0.5 cup Holiday Sprinkles (Optional)

The kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of warmth takes me back to my childhood holiday memories. It’s during this magical time of year that I love sinking my teeth into a deliciously soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie. These delightful treats combine the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the ease of a simple cake mix, making them not only a staple for holiday cookie swaps but also an enticing crowd-pleaser. With minimal effort required for maximum joy, you can whip these cookies up in no time, fitting perfectly into even the busiest festive schedules. Imagine the delighted faces as you share these gooey delights, lightly dusted with powdered sugar like a festive snowfall. Ready to make your holiday cookie dreams come true? Let’s get baking!

Why are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Convenience: With just a few simple ingredients, including cake mix, you can have a batch of these festive cookies ready in no time. Unique Texture: They boast a soft, chewy center that melds beautifully with holiday sprinkles, offering a delightful treat for all ages. Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap the cake mix or add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candy canes! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for holiday gatherings, you’ll be the star of any cookie exchange. Plus, if you’re looking for more holiday baking inspiration, don’t miss out on our delicious Nutty Apricot Cookies or German Style Cookies.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to bake these festive delights with ease!

For the Cookie Dough

Full-Fat Cream Cheese – Provides a rich, soft texture; be sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
Unsalted Butter – Adds tenderness and flavor; softened butter blends better into the dough.
Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together; can be swapped for unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor; try peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz) – The star ingredient for quick preparation; substitute with white or vanilla cake mix if desired.

For the Topping

Powdered Sugar – Used to roll the dough balls, giving them a signature look; sanding sugar makes a festive alternative.
Holiday Sprinkles – Adds vibrant decoration and holiday cheer; omit if you prefer a simpler look.

Whip up these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in no time, and watch as they become a new holiday favorite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies don’t stick. This preparation sets the stage for baking perfectly golden cookies that maintain their gooey center.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened full-fat cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to mix until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be fluffy and light, creating a rich base for your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually stir in one 15.25 oz package of yellow cake mix until a thick, uniform dough forms. Mix with a spatula or a wooden spoon, as it’s important not to overmix at this stage. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfect for creating those deliciously gooey centers in your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 4: Add Holiday Cheer
Gently fold in ½ cup of holiday sprinkles into the dough to add a pop of color and festive flair. Be careful to mix just until the sprinkles are evenly distributed; overmixing can affect the lightness of the dough. Your cookie batter is now ready to chill!

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is key, as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This little wait will pay off with perfectly shaped cookies!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form balls of dough, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated; this creates a lovely dusty finish that enhances the look of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. The sugar will also help achieve that signature snow-like effect!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will have a lovely golden edge while remaining gooey in the center for that perfect holiday treat.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up slightly without losing their gooey texture. After a short rest, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing for a delightful taste of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Customization

Feel free to make these cookies uniquely yours with these delightful twists and substitutions!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests. They’ll taste just as fabulous!
Dairy-Free: Substitute full-fat cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives for a deliciously creamy version that everyone can enjoy.
Flavored Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate or strawberry for a fun flavor switch. The festive vibes are strong with these options!
Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even nuts for added texture and flavor that enhance the cookie experience.
Color ‘Em Up: Use vibrant gel food coloring to tint your cookie dough. Surprise everyone with festive green or red cookies!
Powdered Sugar Alternatives: Roll the cookies in colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for a dazzling, holiday shimmer.
Less Sweet: Cut down on the powdered sugar to make the cookies less sweet if you prefer a more balanced flavor.
Decorative Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness. Plus, it adds a beautiful finish!

Now that you’ve got these wonderful ideas, why not check out our Nutty Chocolate Date Cookies for a different kind of holiday magic!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients up to the chilling step. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to maintain the dough’s freshness and quality. When you’re ready to bake, use the chilled dough to form the cookie balls and roll them in powdered sugar before placing them on your baking sheets. Bake according to the regular instructions for delightful, gooey cookies that taste just as fresh as if made that day. Save your precious time while still delivering those scrumptious, festive treats!

Storage Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a cooler option, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Roll them in powdered sugar before freezing for easy baking later. Thaw at room temperature before baking.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will help revive their gooey center, making your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies even more delightful!

Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Choose Cream Cheese Wisely: Always opt for block-style cream cheese for a rich texture. Tub cream cheese contains more moisture, which can lead to a soupy batter.
Monitor Baking Time: Slightly underbaking your cookies is key to that gooey center. Keep an eye on them; they should look set on the edges but soft in the middle.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the dough firm up, ensuring your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies hold their shape during baking.
Sprinkle with Care: When adding holiday sprinkles, fold them in gently. Overmixing can deflate the dough, affecting the cookie’s texture and appearance.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap the yellow cake mix with vanilla or white for different flavors. This adds a personal touch to your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

The holiday spirit calls for a feast that delights the senses; these cookies are just the beginning of your festive spread!

Rich Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa enhances the cookie’s sweetness and creates a cozy pairing, perfect for the chilly season.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, smooth texture complements the gooeyness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Picture the rich cream melting into the sweet cookie for an indulgent treat!
Festive Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, tangy balance to the sweetness, making it a healthier sidekick to your indulgent cookies.
Warm Spiced Apple Cider: The aromatic spices in apple cider evoke holiday nostalgia, harmonizing beautifully with the cookie’s rich cream cheese flavor.
Chocolate Fudge Brownies: For the chocolate lovers in your life, brownies bring an extra layer of sweetness and richness, making your dessert table truly festive.
Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty caramel flavors in pecan pie bars resonate with the warm spices of the season, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, gooey texture of the cookies.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Light, uplifting beverages refresh the palate and balance the sweetness of the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Peppermint Bark: The cool, minty flavor of peppermint bark introduces a fun crunch and festive touch that pairs nicely with these soft cookies!
Holiday Cheesecake Bites: Creamy cheesecake bites add a surprising twist while keeping that festive spirit alive, offering a richer dessert experience.

These combinations will create a joyful atmosphere, inviting your loved ones to indulge and celebrate the season together!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cream cheese should I use?
Always use block-style full-fat cream cheese for the best results. Tub cream cheese has more moisture and can lead to a soupy batter, affecting the texture of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

How should I store these cookies?
Store your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Roll them in powdered sugar before freezing for easier baking later. When you’re ready to bake, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing them in the oven.

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s often due to the dough being too warm. Always ensure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, as this helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

Are there any allergy considerations?
Yes! These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies contain dairy and eggs, making them unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. For a dairy-free option, consider substituting cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and replace the egg with unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.

What can I use instead of yellow cake mix?
You can easily substitute yellow cake mix with vanilla or white cake mix for different flavors. Additionally, feel free to explore different mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to customize your cookies further!