As the holiday season unfolds, the air fills with scents of pine and spices, evoking a sense of nostalgia that draws us into the warmth of our kitchens. I remember the excitement of baking with loved ones—mixing, tasting, and, of course, sneaking spoonfuls of dough. This year, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that adds a delightful twist to your cookie platter: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
These cookies are not just treats; they’re little bites of joy with a soft, chewy texture and a gooey center, thanks to the cream cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to for cookie exchanges or family bake-offs. With simple ingredients and endless possibilities for fun variations, you can infuse your festive spirit into every batch. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s create something sweet together!
Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a Must-Bake?
Irresistible Texture: These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a luscious gooey center that melts in your mouth.
Simple to Make: With just a few easy steps and minimal ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze for both novices and seasoned chefs.
Festive Appeal: Topped with colorful holiday sprinkles, they add a cheerful touch to your cookie platter.
Versatile Options: Easily adapt this recipe to accommodate dietary needs, whether you’re going gluten-free or adding in flavored extracts.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, making them perfect for cookie swaps or family celebrations.
Elevate your holiday baking this year with these delightful treats—I know you and your loved ones will adore them!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to sweeten your holiday season with these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
For the Cookie Base
• Cream Cheese – Adds moisture and softness; use full-fat block-style for the best results.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides delicious flavor and richness; make sure it’s softened at room temperature.
• Large Egg – Binds ingredients together for that perfect chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and flavor; feel free to substitute with almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
• Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz) – The base ingredient providing structure and sweetness; can be swapped for vanilla or white cake mix if desired.
For the Finishing Touch
• Holiday Sprinkles – Add festive color and fun; substitute with mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for unique variations.
• Powdered Sugar – For rolling and creating a sweet outer coating that enhances the appeal of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prepare your space for the delicious cookies ahead!
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Beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes; it creates a rich base for your cookies.
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Mix in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms. Ensure everything is combined well, but be careful not to overmix; we want that gooey goodness intact!
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Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently to maintain their vibrant colors. A quick mix is all you need—aim for just until they’re evenly distributed!
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Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfect chewy centers!
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Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar. Place them on the lined baking sheets, giving each ball some space to spread!
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft. You want a light golden edge for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step is crucial to achieve that sought-after gooeyness!
Optional: Dust with more powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
• Proper Cream Cheese: Use block cream cheese instead of spreadable to achieve the desired gooey texture in your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be slightly soft in the center to maintain that gooey consistency.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chilling the formed balls for about 20 minutes can help create a firmer texture, making them easier to handle.
• Mix Gently: When incorporating sprinkles, fold them in carefully to avoid bleeding and maintain their vibrant colors in your delicious cookies.
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 softness and freshness.
Fridge: If kept in the fridge, they will last for about 5 days; make sure to seal them properly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. For serving, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before indulging!
Reheating: To restore that gooey texture, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; just enough to warm them up without overcooking. Enjoy your festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Indulging in these festive treats invites a delightful taste of joy to your holiday gatherings.
- Milk: The classic pairing! Cold milk balances the sweetness and brings out the gooeyness of the cookies perfectly.
- Hot Cocoa: A steaming cup of creamy hot chocolate enhances the warm, cozy feel and complements the cookies’ rich flavors.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a delightful sundae; the contrast in textures is simply magical.
A warm cookie alongside a chilled scoop creates a harmony that dances on your taste buds!
- Festive Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus offers a refreshing, tart contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites harmonize beautifully with the cookies’ texture, creating an indulgent dessert platter for your gathering.
- Eggnog: A glass of creamy eggnog pairs beautifully during the holidays, adding a nostalgic and festive touch alongside the cookies.
- Nutmeg-spiced Coffee: A cup of coffee laced with nutmeg will awaken your senses and elevate your cookie experience, making each bite even more delightful!
Let your imagination soar with these combinations, and turn your cookie platter into a festive feast!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Dive into delightful twists and turns that make these cookies uniquely yours and bursting with holiday cheer!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can indulge in the gooey goodness.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace holiday sprinkles with mini chocolate chips for a rich, melty surprise in every bite. Who doesn’t love chocolate?
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Minty Fresh: Swap out vanilla extract for peppermint extract to give your cookies a refreshing holiday touch. This twist awakens every festive spirit!
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Candy Cane Crumble: Add crushed candy canes to the dough for a delightful crunch and a boost of festive flavor.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch and earthy richness to the cookies.
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Vibrant Colors: Use gel food coloring to tint portions of the dough for a fun, colorful surprise that brightens up any cookie platter.
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Zesty Twist: Incorporate a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, making your cookies sing with flavor.
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Stuffed Cookies: Surprise your guests by stuffing the dough with a small piece of chocolate or caramel—each bite will be a sweet surprise!
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 and chilling it in the refrigerator, which helps enhance the flavors. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. To maintain their soft texture, avoid overbaking when you finally place them in the oven; they should still be slightly soft in the center when finished. Simply bake them from the fridge and enjoy gooey, freshly baked cookies at a moment’s notice!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
How should I select ripe ingredients for my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best cookies, select cream cheese that is full-fat and block-style to ensure a rich, gooey texture. This is crucial for the dough consistency. Your butter should be unsalted and softened at room temperature—this allows it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, enhancing flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh even longer, refrigerate them for about 5 days, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent drying out. If needed, layer them with parchment paper in a container to keep their soft texture intact.
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies? If so, how?
Yes! You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Start by allowing the baked cookies to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Very! If you find that your dough is too sticky, don’t worry. You can chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This makes it firmer and easier to scoop and roll into balls. If you prefer, you can also dust your hands with powdered sugar while handling the dough to prevent it from sticking to your fingers.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Additionally, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients, especially for commercial cake mixes, to avoid any allergens. Always consider your guests’ needs and feel free to omit or substitute any elements, which allows everyone to join in on the festivities!
Can I use different mix-ins or variations in the recipe?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely get creative with this recipe. Instead of holiday sprinkles, try using mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or even different flavored extracts if you want to switch things up. Experimenting with dough colors by adding gel food coloring can also make your treats even more festive!
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently to maintain their vibrant colors.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.