As the festive season rolls in, the kitchen transforms into a hub of warm scents and cozy nostalgia. It’s the perfect time to whip up some delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, a treat that captures the spirit of the holidays with every bite. This easy recipe combines the simplicity of cake mix with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, resulting in cookies that are irresistibly soft and chewy. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser during holiday gatherings, but they also offer endless customization options—whether you opt for festive sprinkles or flavored extracts, you can make them as unique as your celebrations. How will you make these holiday cookies your own this year?
Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies special?
Soft and Chewy Delight: These cookies practically melt in your mouth, boasting a wonderfully gooey center that contrasts beautifully with the powdered sugar coating.
Simplicity Made Fun: With just a few ingredients, this easy recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level—great for a quick holiday fix!
Ultimate Customization: Whether you choose to use crushed candy canes or swap extracts, the possibilities are endless! You can even try them with fun variations like Orange Cranberry Cookies to keep your treats diverse and exciting!
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie swaps and festive gatherings, they’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Make-Ahead Flexibility: Prep a batch and freeze the dough for a hassle-free baking session closer to the holidays!
Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of the season while gathering joy around the table, creating lasting memories with every delicious bite.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
• These soft and chewy cookies are just a few ingredients away!
For the Cookies
- Full-fat cream cheese (8 ounces) – Provides richness and softness to the cookies; block-style cream cheese is best.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup) – Adds flavor and moisture; substitute vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
- Large egg (1) – Acts as a binder for the dough; use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances overall flavor; almond or peppermint extract can bring a festive twist.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box – 15.25 ounces) – Forms the cookie base, adding sweetness and structure; vanilla cake mix works as a substitute.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/2 cup) – Adds festive color and a decorative touch; omit for plain cookies or use colored sanding sugar.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup) – Used for rolling the dough balls, providing sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Get ready to bake some delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies and spread the holiday cheer!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This initial prep sets the stage for your delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, so get everything ready for seamless baking.
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy, providing a rich foundation for your cookies.
Step 3: Mix in the Cake Mix
Gradually add in a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix to your creamy mixture. Mix on low speed until a thick, soft dough begins to form, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure the cake mix is fully incorporated, resulting in a gooey texture that defines your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Festive Touch
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of holiday sprinkles using a spatula. Take care not to overmix, as you want the sprinkles to maintain their vibrant colors and not bleed into the dough. This step adds that festive flair that makes your cookies not just delicious, but also visually appealing.
Step 5: Chill for Easier Handling
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to scoop and handle. Use this time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while eagerly anticipating the baking ahead!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, giving them that classic sweet exterior. Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—the edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. This is the key to achieving that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. The wait will be worth it as the aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to enjoy these festive treats!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, rolling in powdered sugar before baking.
Reheating: If you have leftover baked cookies, enjoy them warm by microwaving for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their gooey goodness and delightful taste!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel the joy of experimenting with this delightful recipe, creating your unique twist on these festive treats!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegetable oil and use dairy-free cream cheese for a delicious vegan alternative.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to add an indulgent chocolatey flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Peppermint Twist: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a fresh, minty burst that captures the spirit of the season.
- Colorful Layers: Split the dough into portions and dye them with red and green gel food coloring for a vibrant holiday display.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the gooeyness.
- Fruity Surprise: Mix in dried cranberries or tart cherries for a tangy flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic spice that evokes comforting holiday memories.
- Alternative Sprinkles: Swap holiday sprinkles for crushed candy canes to create a festive look and a delightful crunch, which makes every bite cheerful.
No matter how you choose to customize, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies will still uphold their soft, chewy charm! They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or perhaps with some delectable Danish Butter Cookies for an extravagant cookie platter!
Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Use Block Cream Cheese: Ensure you opt for full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture; tub cream cheese can lead to a runny dough.
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Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and shaping, helping to maintain that perfect gooey texture in your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; removing them too late will result in firmer cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy centers.
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Customize with Care: When adding mix-ins, like candy canes or chocolate chips, don’t overmix the dough to preserve the colorful sprinkles’ vibrant beauty.
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Freezing Dough: You can scoop and freeze the dough balls ahead of time; simply roll them in powdered sugar before baking for last-minute holiday preparations.
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Check Egg Substitutes: If using a vegan alternative for the egg, ensure that the dough binds properly by adjusting the amount of applesauce or flax egg for optimal results.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit with minimal hassle! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Alternatively, you can scoop and freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months; just roll them in powdered sugar right before baking to maintain that signature sweetness. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw the frozen dough—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time for fresh, gooey cookies just out of the oven. Enjoy making these festive treats stress-free, and savor every bite!
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
The festive flavors of these cookies should inspire a complete holiday spread of joyful treats and warming drinks!
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Provides a rich, velvety beverage that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ gooey texture, enhancing the cozy experience of the season.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, with its spices and creaminess, complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a festive balance. A sprinkle of nutmeg brings it all together!
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Their fresh sweetness contrasts perfectly with the softness of the cookies, adding a touch of brightness and elegance to your dessert table. The juicy strawberries are an inviting surprise!
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Spiced Mulled Cider: The warm spices of this drink resonate with the cozy flavors of your cookies, making every bite and sip an invitation to flavor-filled festivities.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Their nutty richness adds depth beside the soft, chewy cookies, while the sweet and sticky texture creates a delightful pairing that’s hard to resist.
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Festive Cheese Platter: Combining sharp and soft cheeses with sliced apples and crackers offers a savory note that balances the sweet cookies, elevating your holiday spread.
Add a sprinkle of joy and indulgence to your gatherings with these delightful pairings, ensuring your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies take center stage!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cream cheese should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use full-fat block cream cheese. It provides the perfect balance of richness and texture that makes these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies so delightful. Avoid tub cream cheese, as it can make the dough too runny.
How should I store leftovers?
Very! To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option! After scooping your dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from the freezer while rolling in powdered sugar before placing in the oven.
What if my cookies don’t flatten while baking?
Very often, this happens due to the cream cheese not being softened enough or if the cake mix isn’t weighed correctly. To troubleshoot, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature and check that you’re using the correct amount of cake mix according to the package instructions. Chilling the dough before baking can also help maintain that gooey texture!
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
I recommend caution! Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies include several ingredients that may not be safe for pets, such as chocolate and sugar. As for allergies, be mindful of gluten in the cake mix and potential dairy issues. If in doubt, always consider alternative ingredients or consult labels to ensure your cookies remain safe for everyone.
What can I use as egg substitutes in this recipe?
For those looking to make a vegan version or accommodate allergies, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or prepare a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This will ensure the dough binds properly while keeping it vegan-friendly!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the yellow cake mix and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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