The holiday season is always buzzing with delightful scents and the promise of sweet surprises, and there’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of freshly baked cookies to lift your spirits. Picture this: the snowy streets outside, twinkling lights illuminating your home, while you whip up a batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These little wonders are the softest, chewiest treats you could whip up, effortlessly made with a simple cake mix base.
It’s the rich creaminess of cream cheese that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and with a sprinkle of festive colors, they truly embody the spirit of the season. Trust me, whether you’re taking them to a cookie swap or enjoying them curled up on the couch with loved ones, these cookies will become your new holiday favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and rewarding treat that’s sure to spread cheer to everyone around!
Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a must-try?
Next-level simplicity: These cookies come together effortlessly using a convenient cake mix, making baking stress-free and fun.
Festive flair: With colorful holiday sprinkles, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Soft and chewy: The perfect compromise of gooey center wrapped in a slightly crispy exterior that melts in your mouth.
Versatile options: Personalize your batch! Switch up flavors with different cake mixes and mix-ins for endless variations.
Crowd-pleasing treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings; everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Time-saving delight: Whip them up in about 30 minutes and have fresh cookies ready in no time.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese – Provides moisture and a soft texture; use block cream cheese for best results.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and enhances flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor; can be substituted with almond or peppermint extract for a delightful twist.
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix – Creates a sweet, cake-like consistency; other flavors like chocolate or gluten-free cake mix can be used for variations.
For the Festive Finish
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles – Adds color and festive flair; can be omitted or replaced with mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a fun mix-in.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Provides a sweet finish when rolling the dough balls; consider using colored sanding sugar for a festive touch.
Embrace the holiday spirit and let these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bring joy to your festive celebrations!
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
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Beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This mixture should be well-combined with a delightful texture.
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Mix in the yellow cake mix, stirring until a thick and cohesive dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl as you mix.
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Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently, being careful not to overmix. You want those festive colors to remain bright and intact for a beautiful finish.
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Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps to firm up the dough and prevents spreading while baking.
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Scoop the chilled dough into 1 ½-inch balls, rolling each ball in powdered sugar for that sugary finish. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and a lovely appearance to the cookies.
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Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set while the centers still look soft. You want them to look slightly underbaked for that gooey center.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their chewy texture.
Optional: Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful holiday pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for everyone at the table without sacrificing flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix, and add chocolate chips for an extra decadent treat. There’s nothing quite like the combination of gooey chocolate and soft cookie!
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate peppermint extract in place of vanilla and add crushed candy canes for a festive minty twist. These cookies will have a refreshing zing that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Fruit Fusion: Add a 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for a chewy texture and a pop of flavor. The tartness of cranberries complements the rich cookies beautifully!
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to give your cookies a satisfying crunch. The nutty flavors mesh well with the sweetness, elevating your batch.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Try using different holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar to make your cookies more vibrant. A rainbow of colors adds a fun touch to your festive treats!
- Cinnamon Spice: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor that brings the essence of the holiday season into every bite. It’s sure to make your home smell inviting too!
- S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-inspired cookie. Bake until the marshmallows are bubbly for a deliciously gooey finish!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps of mixing the ingredients and chilling the dough. Once chilled, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. On baking day, scoop the dough into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. If you wish to prep even further, you can freeze the cookie dough after scooping, and it can last up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies ready in no time, maintaining that delightful gooey texture everyone loves!
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: If you’d like to keep them fresh a bit longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember, they might lose some gooeyness!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze these delightful cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to an airtight container.
Reheating: To enjoy the gooey goodness again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed.
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
These festive cookies are delightful on their own, but even better with the perfect companions to build a memorable holiday spread.
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Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats a warm cup of cocoa; the rich, chocolatey beverage complements the cookies’ sweetness and gooey texture beautifully.
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Milk: A classic pairing that never disappoints! Cold milk enhances the creamy, rich flavors of the cookies and washes down every soft, chewy bite.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with a citrus twist adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies, balancing the sweetness with a tangy zing.
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Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or eggnog ice cream. The creamy, cold dessert brings a delightful coolness that harmonizes perfectly with warm cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Create a charcuterie board with some soft cheeses like brie. The creaminess of the cheese pairs well with the cookie’s richness, offering a sophisticated touch.
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Eggnog: Whether spiced or classic, eggnog is the perfect holiday drink to enjoy alongside these cookies. Its nutmeg and cinnamon notes will elevate the festive experience.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling some melted chocolate over cookies enhances their look and provides an extra layer of richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai or cinnamon tea will warm your soul while contrasting beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness.
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Holiday Spritzers: For a refreshing drink, consider a holiday spritzer made with sparkling water, cranberry juice, and a hint of lime; it’s festive and refreshing!
These pairings will surely elevate your cookie experience and delight your family and friends during this joyous season!
Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a perfectly gooey center.
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Use Block Cream Cheese: Opt for block-style cream cheese for best results; spreadable cream cheese may alter the texture and gooeyness of your cookies.
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Watch the Baking Time: Everyone’s oven can be different! Keep an eye on the cookies; they’re done when the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft for that signature gooeyness.
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Add Fun Variations: Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Experiment with different cake mixes or add-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to personalize your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Storage Tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose ripe cream cheese?
Absolutely! When selecting cream cheese for your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, look for full-fat block cream cheese. Ensure that it is fresh and free from any discoloration or sour smell. Block cream cheese will yield the best texture and flavor for your cookies compared to spreadable versions.
How should I store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them deliciously soft and chewy. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they might lose some gooeyness.
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! To do so, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, layering parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds.
What should I do if my cookies are spreading too much while baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it might be because the dough was too warm. I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to firm it up and prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, ensure that your butter was appropriately softened, not melted, as that can also lead to overly spread-out cookies.
Are there any dietary concerns I should keep in mind?
Yes! These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies contain cream cheese, eggs, and butter, making them unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and margarine, and always check the labels to ensure they meet any specific dietary needs.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Definitely! You can switch the yellow cake mix for chocolate or vanilla cake mix based on your preference. Additionally, feel free to experiment with add-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes in place of holiday sprinkles. Just be sure to adjust the flavors of the extracts you use, such as swapping vanilla for peppermint for a minty twist!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies for a Festive Sweet Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the yellow cake mix, stirring until a thick and cohesive dough forms.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Scoop the chilled dough into 1 ½-inch balls, rolling each ball in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set while the centers still look soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.