Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
If the holidays had a flavor, I’m convinced it would taste exactly like these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: soft-centered, rich with cream cheese and sweet vanilla, rolling in clouds of powdered sugar and topped with festive red and green sprinkles. This irresistibly simple recipe channels all the coziness of the season into one tray of chewy, tender treats, making it a crowd favorite for every cookie exchange, office party, and family gathering. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few colorful touches, you’ll bake a batch that delivers gooey, buttery perfection with every single bite—get ready, because nobody eats just one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, and trust me, the magic is all in these thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its own special part—whether it’s lending flavor, providing structure, or adding seasonal color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Yellow Cake Mix: The secret shortcut for those iconic soft, pillowy cookies—pre-measured for convenience and always dependable.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery taste.
- Cream Cheese: The not-so-secret ingredient that brings unmatched gooeyness and a subtle tangy depth to every bite.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together, keeping the dough smooth and the cookies perfectly chewy.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings a warm, familiar aroma that makes every cookie feel like a hug.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling each cookie dough ball—this layer caramelizes slightly as it bakes, creating a delicate, crackly crust.
- Red and Green Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar (optional): Adds that unmistakable Christmas look and a subtle crunch on top—feel free to mix and match for other occasions too!
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
Start the magic by beating your softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together in a big mixing bowl. This step is key: you want the mixture super creamy, free of lumps, and beautifully fluffy—think smooth frosting you’d want to eat with a spoon. Take your time here, because this luxurious base sets the entire mood for your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Crack in one large egg and pour in a splash of vanilla extract. Blend well, scraping down your bowl as needed, until the mixture is seamless and aromatic. The egg helps create that signature chewy structure, while that vanilla is what makes your kitchen smell like pure Christmas joy.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the yellow cake mix, stirring as you go. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky mass—don’t worry if it seems a bit thick, that’s exactly what you want! Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies stay extra tender and gooey in the center.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the bowl of dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is more than just a waiting game: it firms up the dough, making it so much easier to roll, and helps those irresistible, craggy cookie tops form as they bake. This is your secret weapon for perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies every single time.
Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Decorate
Scoop out generous tablespoonfuls of dough, roll them into balls, and then give each one a snowy coat by rolling them in powdered sugar. Press the tops into red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar for that festive holiday sparkle—this step is totally joyful, especially if you have little helpers around!
Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving room for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look nicely puffy, soft, and ever so slightly underbaked. Resist the urge to overbake—remember, gooeyness is the name of the game!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a rack; they’ll set up just enough but stay luscious and soft in the middle. Now’s the moment to share—or sneak a warm one for yourself!
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving is both classic and eye-catching. You can also add more sparkling sanding sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. These little details complement the cookies’ gooey centers and make your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies look as gorgeous as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies love good company! Serve alongside mugs of rich hot cocoa, a pot of spiced chai, or tall glasses of cold milk for a dreamy holiday treat. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dress up your dessert spread with fresh berries, holiday fudge, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—guaranteed to make your cookie platter the star of any party.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in a glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a homemade gift that never fails to impress. Or arrange them on a colorful platter with sprigs of holly for your next cookie swap. For family fun, set up a “decorate your own” station with extra sprinkles and colored sugars so everyone can personalize their cookies—memories in the making!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days—just layer them with a square of parchment between each row to keep that iconic powdered sugar coating intact and avoid stickiness. This keeps your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies just as dreamy for midday snacks or midnight cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze both the unbaked dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) and fully baked cookies. For dough, place rolled balls on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag—just add a minute or two to the baking time straight from the freezer. Baked cookies should be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer container with parchment between layers. They keep beautifully for up to two months!
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, gently warm your cookies in a low (300°F) oven for 2–3 minutes or just a quick zap in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This revives their soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers and makes them taste bakery new.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Try red velvet, chocolate, or even lemon cake mix for a whole new spin. Each flavor brings its own personality, but the cookie’s ooey-gooey texture will remain irresistible every time.
Do I have to chill the cookie dough?
Yes, chilling is an important step! It firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape, and also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, so they stay delightfully thick and gooey.
How do I keep my cookies from overbaking?
Set a timer for the minimum recommended bake time and check for those telltale soft centers with barely set edges. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, keeping your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies perfectly soft and rich in the middle.
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Yes, as written, there are no nuts in this recipe—just double-check your cake mix ingredients to ensure it’s processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern for your family or guests.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! Simply double each ingredient (use two cake mix boxes, etc.) and work in batches. These cookies are a hit at parties and swaps, so making more is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a tray of warm, sparkling Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: they’re simple, nostalgic, and endlessly delightful. Whether you make them for a big holiday bash or just a cozy night in, I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with laughter, love, and irresistible aromas. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies that are soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious. Made with a yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cake mix, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling. Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and decorate with sprinkles.
- Bake: Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are gooey. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies gooey inside.
- Customize with different sprinkles or cake mix flavors for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
