These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of cream cheese with the ease of a cake mix. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply enjoying with loved ones, these cookies offer a soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth. With their colorful sprinkles, they bring festive cheer to any occasion!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- For Dusting
- How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles
- Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
- Step 7: Bake Cookies
- Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
- How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- Festive Cookie Platter
- Gift Packaging
- Coffee or Hot Cocoa
- 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
- What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
- How do I make my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies more festive?
- Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
- How long do these cookies last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for busy bakers during the holiday season.
- Irresistibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, these cookies fit right in!
- Fun and Festive Appearance: The colorful sprinkles add a cheerful touch that brightens up any dessert table.
- Perfect for Cookie Exchanges: With 32 cookies in one batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time by quickly blending the ingredients to create a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these wonderful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:
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 Dusting
- 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 help prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix. Continue mixing until a thick dough forms.
Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed into the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps make it easier to handle.
Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
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.
Now you have delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ready to spread joy during this festive season!
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ways to enjoy them during the holiday season.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat that brings back childhood memories.
Festive Cookie Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter along with other holiday treats to create a delightful cookie spread for guests.
Gift Packaging
- Package the cookies in festive boxes or bags as homemade gifts for friends and family, adding a personal touch to your holiday giving.
Coffee or Hot Cocoa
- Serve these sweet cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa to complement their gooey texture and sweetness.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two gooey butter cookies for an indulgent dessert.
How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
To achieve the ultimate Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, follow these simple tips and tricks that will elevate your baking game.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the sprinkles to avoid color bleeding and maintain a beautiful look in each cookie.
- Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; take them out when the edges are set but centers are still soft for that perfect gooeyness.
- Taste Test: Always try one after they cool—this way, you can adjust your recipe next time if needed!
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
When enjoying Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, consider pairing them with some delightful side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their sweetness.
- Peppermint Bark: A festive chocolate treat that adds a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies.
- Fruitcake: This traditional holiday dessert offers rich flavors alongside the sweet buttery taste of cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include some creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide a nice balance to sugary desserts.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit or pretzels can be a fun dipping option alongside your cookies.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink pairs perfectly with sweets, enhancing their flavors while providing warmth.
- Holiday Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of gooey butter cookies.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These nutty treats can offer an additional layer of flavor that complements your cookie experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can ensure your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the Dough: Gently fold in the sprinkles; overmixing can lead to color bleeding and tough cookies.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and improves texture.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F; an inaccurate temperature can affect baking time and cookie consistency.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for flour, to avoid dry or overly gooey cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper before sealing to maintain freshness.
Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power; check frequently.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy treats made with cream cheese and yellow cake mix, perfect for the holiday season.
How do I make my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies more festive?
You can add different colors of holiday sprinkles or even chocolate chips for added flavor and visual appeal.
Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can swap the yellow cake mix for other flavors like chocolate or red velvet, or add nuts for a crunch.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature or three months in the freezer when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with various add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges, these treats will surely bring joy to your festivities. Try this easy recipe and delight your friends and family!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintChristmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Indulge in the festive delight of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, a treat that beautifully merges the creamy richness of cream cheese with the simplicity of cake mix. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy evenings at home. With their soft and gooey texture, each bite melts in your mouth, while colorful sprinkles add a cheerful touch to any dessert table. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a cookie scoop to form 1½-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them out by 2 inches. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
