These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive sprinkles, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or simply enjoying at home. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these cookies bring joy to any occasion, making them a must-try this holiday season.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- For Coating
- How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 3: Combine Cake Mix
- Step 4: Add Sprinkles
- Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Step 6: Shape Cookies
- Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Step 8: Cool Down
- How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- As Holiday Gifts
- At Cookie Exchanges
- On Dessert Platters
- With Whipped Cream
- As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?
- What makes these cookies “gooey”?
- Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
- How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
- What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese ensures these cookies are soft and gooey, making them a hit with everyone.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes.
- Festive Appearance: The colorful holiday sprinkles add a fun visual appeal that brightens up any dessert table.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love rolling the dough in powdered sugar and adding sprinkles, making it a great baking activity!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients to achieve a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, ensuring your cookies come out effortlessly.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
For Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Ensure no lumps remain for the best texture.
Step 3: Combine Cake Mix
Stir in the yellow cake mix until you form a thick dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those vibrant colors intact.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to handle when shaping into balls.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their soft and chewy texture makes them a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your holiday cookie game.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that brings out their rich flavors.
As Holiday Gifts
- Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes as gifts for friends and family, spreading joy during the holiday season.
At Cookie Exchanges
- Bring these cookies to cookie exchanges; their unique gooeyness will surely impress fellow bakers and cookie lovers alike.
On Dessert Platters
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other sweets for an eye-catching centerpiece at holiday gatherings.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with whipped cream for an indulgent twist that adds extra creaminess to each bite.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches filled with your favorite holiday ice cream flavor for a refreshing treat.
How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
To ensure your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker, gooier cookies.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially baking essentials like vanilla extract and baking soda, are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the sprinkles and other mix-ins to maintain the cookie’s soft texture and avoid color bleeding.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; take them out when edges are set but centers remain soft for that gooey finish.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Try different sprinkles or add chocolate chips for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
While Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your holiday experience. Here are some tasty accompaniments:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This creamy beverage complements the sweetness of the cookies and adds a festive touch.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with sweet treats, offering a savory option alongside your holiday cookies.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor diversity, making them an excellent snack during cookie time.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars echo holiday flavors and offer another sweet option that guests will love.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Only mix until combined for that soft texture.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Improper measurements can alter cookie texture. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Transferring cookies too soon can lead to breakage. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet first.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
What makes these cookies “gooey”?
The cream cheese and butter create a moist texture that melts in your mouth, making them gooey.
Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add different types of sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your taste.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze any extras for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. Their soft texture and festive appearance make them perfect for holiday celebrations. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a unique twist!
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Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! These soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a holiday favorite, combining the rich flavors of cream cheese and butter with a hint of sweetness from yellow cake mix. Adorned with colorful holiday sprinkles, they add cheer to any dessert table and are perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy gatherings at home. With minimal preparation time and an easy recipe, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Get ready to spread joy this season with every gooey bite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently to maintain their vibrant colors.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Scoop out 1½-inch balls of dough and roll each in powdered sugar until coated.
- Place on prepared baking sheets with approximately 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (26g)
- Calories: 108
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
