Name: Delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies for Festive Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 8 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond/peppermint); 1 box yellow cake mix (can swap with vanilla or white cake mix); 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (or crushed candy canes/mini chocolate chips); 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Every holiday season, a delightful aroma dances through my kitchen, drawing family and friends nearer. It’s no wonder that my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies have become a staple at our festive gatherings. These soft and chewy treats require just a handful of ingredients and a simple cake mix base, making them the perfect quick fix for any last-minute cookie swap. Not only do they bring joy to every bite, but they also offer endless variety with mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candy canes, catering to every palate. Whether you’re a busy baker or someone looking for a cozy, homemade touch, these cookies encapsulate the spirit of the holidays. Are you ready to create your own batch of sweetness? Let’s dive into this scrumptiously simple recipe!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Soft, Chewy Delight: These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer, with a texture that melts in your mouth.
Quick to Make: With just a handful of pantry staples, including cake mix, they come together effortlessly – perfect for busy bakers!
Endless Variety: Feel free to jazz them up with mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Their delightful sweetness and festive appearance make them a hit at cookie swaps and family gatherings.
Make Ahead: You can easily prepare the dough in advance, allowing for stress-free baking on the day of your celebrations.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• Full-fat cream cheese – Ensures a rich, gooey texture for the perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
• Unsalted butter – Provides the necessary richness; remember to soften it before mixing!
• Large egg – Acts as the binder to keep your cookies together and chewy.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a delightful flavor boost; consider using almond or peppermint for extra festive flair.
• Yellow cake mix – The secret to making these cookies quick and easy; you can swap it with vanilla or white cake mix if you prefer.

For the Toppings
• Holiday sprinkles – These add a splash of festive color, but crushed candy canes or mini chocolate chips work beautifully too.
• Powdered sugar – Dust your cookies for that iconic sweet finish and eye-catching look; sanding sugar is a fun alternative.

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, take the time to line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will set the stage for baking your delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies evenly, ensuring a delightful texture and golden-brown edges.

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The result should be velvety and well-blended, creating a perfect base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough is formed, using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Ensure there are no dry spots and that everything is fully incorporated without overmixing. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is thick and slightly sticky—this will contribute to the gooey texture of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in your holiday sprinkles, taking care not to overmix the dough. This step adds festive flair to the cookies and ensures that the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want to see those beautiful pops of color in your cookie batter, hinting at the delightful treats ahead.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle while forming dough balls. This crucial step also keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies maintain their shape.

Step 6: Form the Cookie Balls
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Rolling them gently helps create a smooth surface. After forming each ball, roll it in powdered sugar until it’s fully coated, creating a sweet and snowy finish that will melt in your mouth as you enjoy these festive cookies.

Step 7: Place on Baking Sheets
Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching, resulting in perfectly shaped Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies that are both soft and chewy.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely for the edges to set while the centers stay soft and puffy. They should have a slightly golden-hued bottom when finished, signifying that they are ready to be taken out and loved by everyone at your holiday gathering.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set and allows the gooey centers to perfect their texture. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies will be irresistible and perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk.

Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Block Cream Cheese: Ensure you’re using block-style cream cheese for the best texture; spreadable varieties can lead to thinner, less gooey cookies.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for maintaining the shape and achieving a soft, chewy consistency for your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: When folding in sprinkles, be gentle and avoid overmixing. This helps keep the dough fluffy and ensures those colorful bits stay intact in your cookies.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—remove them when the edges are set, but the centers appear soft. They’ll firm up while cooling, keeping that signature gooey texture.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies! Mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes not only add flavor but also make your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies even more festive and enjoyable.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations

Embrace your creativity with these delightful twists on the classic Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

Flavor Twist: Add Peppermint Extract in place of vanilla for a refreshing holiday kick. It’s an easy way to elevate your cookies while maintaining that cozy vibe we all love during the season.
Dairy-Free: Use Vegan Cream Cheese and Vegan Butter to make these cookies dairy-free. Just like the traditional version, they will still be wonderfully gooey and soft while accommodating those with dietary restrictions.
Nutty Texture: Incorporate Chopped Nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunchiness and flavor depth. The nutty bits add a wonderful surprise in every bite, enhancing that festive feel.
Fruity Fusion: Mix in Dried Cranberries or Cherries for a burst of fruity goodness. This not only adds a splash of color to your cookies but also balances the sweetness perfectly – ideal for holiday gatherings!
Chocolate Lovers: Swap in Chocolate Cake Mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich and indulgent chocolate version. Sprinkle in some Chocolate Chips too for that extra touch of joy!
Two-Tone Cookies: Divide the dough and color one half with Gel Food Coloring for a visually stunning two-tone cookie that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. It’s a lovely way to make your cookie platter pop!
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of Cinnamon and Nutmeg for a warm and spiced flavor. This charming twist will evoke the cozy scents of the holiday season, wrapping everyone in nostalgia.
Decadent Drizzle: Once baked, drizzle your cookies with White Chocolate for an extra sweet finishing touch. This gives both a lovely aesthetic and a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the gooiness of the cookies.

For those inspired after these variations, why not try your hand at other festive treats like Honey Butter Brioche or some delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp for a balanced holiday spread?

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

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

Fridge: For longer freshness, you can store cookies in the fridge; they’ll last up to a week while still remaining tasty. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll regain their gooey goodness, ensuring that every bite of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is deliciously satisfying!

What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for creating a warm, cozy atmosphere during your holiday festivities.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: Whip up a cup of rich hot cocoa to complement the soft, gooey texture of the cookies while providing a comforting drink to savor.
Peppermint Mocha: A delightful combination of coffee, chocolate, and peppermint brings a festive flair that echoes the cookies’ sweet flavors.
Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside enhances the dessert experience, offering a creamy contrast to the chewy cookies.
Cozy Apple Pie: The warm spices and sweet apples of apple pie not only evoke holiday nostalgia but also pair beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness.
Festive Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the cookies and brightening your dessert table.
Gingerbread Tea: This aromatic tea infused with holiday spices complements the festive spirit, making it a perfect warm beverage to enjoy with your treats.
Sugar Cookie Bars: Keep the holiday spirit alive with another sweet treat that echoes the flavors of the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, enticing everyone to indulge.
Chocolate Milk: The rich, creamy taste of chocolate milk offers a nostalgic pairing that children and adults alike will enjoy alongside these festive cookies.
Pecan Pie: A slice of pecan pie with its crunchy nuts and gooey filling can be a delightful dessert option that adds variety to your holiday spread.

Make Ahead Options

Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time is a game-changer for busy holiday bakers! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to get even more ahead, you can roll the dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar, then store them in the fridge for the same time frame. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled dough balls on a baking sheet and bake them directly from the fridge—no need to thaw! This method ensures that your cookies maintain their deliciously gooey texture while saving you time when the festivities kick off.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cream cheese should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using block-style full-fat cream cheese for the best results. Spreadable varieties can introduce excess moisture, making your cookies less gooey and more flat than desired. Block cream cheese creates that rich, soft texture we all love in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?
To maintain their soft and chewy texture, store your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll keep for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!

Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze these delightful cookies for up to 3 months! First, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious as fresh!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies spread too much, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure your dough is adequately chilled before baking; this helps maintain the cookies’ shape. Additionally, check the measurement of your cake mix; too little can lead to a runnier dough. If you face this issue again, consider adding a bit of extra flour—1 tablespoon at a time—to help thicken the dough.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from pets! They contain ingredients like butter and sugar, which don’t sit well with animal digestion. Additionally, avoid sharing any baked goods with chocolate or certain flavorings since they can be harmful to pets. Always keep your furry friends safe and stick to treats made specifically for them!

Can I customize the mix-ins for the cookies?
Very much so! The beauty of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies lies in their versatility. You can incorporate mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even dried fruit for a festive twist. Just remember to keep the balance of dry and wet ingredients in mind so the dough remains that perfect gooey consistency! Enjoy experimenting with mix-ins!