Name: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: Your New Holiday Favorite!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese (Use block-style for best results.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Can be replaced with margarine.); 1 large Egg (Or 1/4 cup applesauce for a vegan option.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Almond or peppermint extract can be used.); 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz, can swap with vanilla or white.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Used for rolling.); 1 cup Holiday Sprinkles (Can substitute with mini chocolate chips.)

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Picture a holiday gathering filled with laughter, soft music, and the sweet scent of cookies wafting through the air. While everyone mingles, I’m in the kitchen whipping up a batch of my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These delightful treats are not only irresistibly soft and chewy but also incredibly simple to make, thanks to just a few key ingredients like cream cheese and cake mix. They’re the perfect addition to any festive cookie platter or holiday party, sure to impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseurs. Plus, you can easily customize them with sprinkles or various flavors to make them uniquely yours! How do you like your holiday cookies: classic or with a twist?

Why You’ll Crave These Cookies

Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, including cream cheese and cake mix, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.

Customization: Feel free to experiment by swapping cake mixes or adding fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a holiday flair.

Gooey Goodness: Each bite delivers a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.

Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in festive boxes for friends and family; they make a charming holiday gift or addition to cookie swaps.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress your guests or family members at gatherings with these delightful cookies that appeal to all ages. They’ll have everyone clamoring for the recipe!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Full-fat Cream Cheese – Adds moisture and richness to the cookies; for best results, use block-style cream cheese.
Unsalted Butter – Provides flavor and tenderness; can be replaced with margarine if necessary.
Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together; vegan alternative: 1/4 cup applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; consider almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz) – The base of the cookie, providing structure and sweetness; can be swapped with vanilla or white cake mix.

For the Topping

Powdered Sugar – Used for rolling and adds sweetness; sanding sugar can be used for a delightful crunch.
Holiday Sprinkles – For festive color and decoration; omit or substitute with mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a fun variation.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, ensuring even heat distribution and easy removal post-baking.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened full-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add in one large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated, achieving a delightful, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Cake Mix
Gradually add in a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix to your creamy mixture. Carefully stir until a thick dough forms, taking care not to overmix. The dough should be dense yet manageable, with peaks forming in the mixture, ready for the addition of festive touches.

Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
Once the dough is ready, gently fold in a generous handful of holiday sprinkles. Doing this carefully prevents the colors from bleeding into the dough, ensuring your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies maintain their vibrant, cheerful appearance.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, which is key for achieving that gooey texture.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and scoop it into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring an even coating, which adds sweetness and a lovely snowy appearance to each cookie. Place the rolled dough balls a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the edges to be set while the centers remain soft; they will continue cooking slightly as they cool. This perfect balance is what gives the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies their signature gooeyness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful cookies, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or simply savoring at home!

Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Block Cream Cheese: Opt for block-style cream cheese over spreadable types to achieve the luscious texture in your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; this crucial step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Measure Cake Mix Correctly: Ensure you’re using a 15.25 oz box of cake mix to maintain the right balance of ingredients for optimal results.
Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the cake mix, stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tougher cookie texture.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze them for up to three months to enjoy later!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: Customize Your Batch!

Feel free to explore delightful twists and have fun with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies by making them uniquely yours!

Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and margarine for a completely dairy-free option without sacrificing taste.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix to create a rich, decadent flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
Nutty Twist: Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and a lovely nutty flavor in each bite.
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to your dough for a refreshing holiday flavor that pairs wonderfully with crushed candy canes.
Vibrant Colors: Divide the dough and dye portions with gel food coloring for a festive tie-dye effect that makes your cookies pop!
Spiced Variation: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow to bring in warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving your cookies a cozy vibe.
No-Bake Option: Try a no-bake version by making a similar cream cheese mixture and shaping it into truffles, rolling them in cocoa powder or sprinkles for an easy fix.
Serve with Hot Cocoa: Package your cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or alongside classic treats like Blueberry Cookies Soft for a delightful holiday experience.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: Store leftover cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to seal them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying again, maintaining that gooey goodness.

Reheating: To refresh chilled or frozen cookies, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until soft, ensuring you savor the delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked cookies with minimal fuss on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. To do this, simply follow all the steps until the chilling phase, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. For added convenience, you can scoop the dough into balls and roll them in powdered sugar ahead of time, storing them in an airtight container; they will keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just place the cookie balls on a baking sheet and slide them into your preheated oven—ensuring you have fresh, gooey cookies, just as delicious as if they were made that day!

What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Picture a cozy holiday gathering where laughter fills the air, and your plate is overflowing with festive delights and warm flavors.

Rich Hot Cocoa: The creamy chocolate pairs beautifully with the cookies’ gooey texture, creating a cozy, indulgent treat.
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, sweet treat adds a refreshing twist that complements the cookies’ softness, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Ice Cream Sundae: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with a creamy finish.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this gooey goodness on top of the cookies for an extra layer of sweet decadence. It’s a match made in cookie heaven!
Classic Eggnog: The spiced flavor of eggnog, whether spiked or non-alcoholic, perfectly complements the festive cookie flavors, adding a holiday cheer.
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: The combination of fresh fruit and chocolate adds a refreshing element, providing a lovely contrast to the rich cookies.
Seasonal Cheesecake: A slice of peppermint or gingerbread cheesecake rounds out the dessert table beautifully, harmonizing with the holiday flavors.
Apple Cider: Hot or cold, apple cider infused with spices offers a refreshing counterbalance, enhancing the cozy atmosphere of any gathering.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my cream cheese is the right consistency?
Absolutely! You should use block-style cream cheese to get the best results. It should be softened to room temperature and smooth without any lumps for a creamy consistency. Spreadable cream cheese can lead to a runny dough, which we want to avoid.

How should I store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
I recommend keeping your cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, just make sure to seal them tightly to keep them moist!

Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?
Certainly! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the balls to an airtight container for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep well for the same duration. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven before enjoying.

What are some common problems when making these cookies?
Very! If your cookies turn out too flat, you might not have chilled the dough long enough, which is crucial for maintaining their shape. Alternatively, if they’re too dry, ensure you’ve measured the cake mix accurately and avoided overmixing the dough. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them! Look for the edges to be set while the center remains slightly soft.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, substitute the large egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies deliciously chewy and soft!