Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. With their rich cream cheese base and festive sprinkles, they offer a unique twist on traditional cookies. Easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges, these treats melt in your mouth and bring joy to all who taste them. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging at home, these cookies are sure to impress!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
• Step 4: Add Holiday Sprinkles
• Step 5: Chill the Dough
• Step 6: Shape the Cookies
• Step 7: Bake the Cookies
• Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
• How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Festive Cookie Platter
• Hot Beverage Pairing
• Gift-Wrapping Cookies
• Cookie Sandwiches
• Dessert Table Feature
• 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 makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies different?
• Can I use other flavors of cake mix?
• How do I store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
• Can I customize these cookies?
• Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is truly unforgettable.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of cookies in no time.
• Festive Appeal: Bright holiday sprinkles add a fun touch, making these cookies perfect for celebrations.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for friends.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will enjoy helping to roll the dough balls and coat them in powdered sugar.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start for a smoother baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures your ingredients blend smoothly for that perfect cookie dough consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your workspace organized while preparing different components of the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies to life:

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
• ½ cup powdered sugar

PIN THIS!

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. Cream cheese
2. Unsalted butter
3. Egg
4. Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix

Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Add Holiday Sprinkles

Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles with care not to overmix, as this can cause color bleeding.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out portions of dough (about 1½ inches in size) and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season. They can be served in various ways to enhance your festive gatherings.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange a colorful platter with the cookies alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread men for a cheerful display.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve these cookies with hot cocoa or eggnog. The rich flavors complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Gift-Wrapping Cookies

• Place a few cookies in a decorative box or bag as thoughtful homemade gifts. Add a festive ribbon for that extra touch.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Try making cookie sandwiches by placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. This transforms them into an indulgent dessert.

Dessert Table Feature

• Include these gooey cookies as a centerpiece on your holiday dessert table. Their vibrant appearance will attract attention.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Let cream cheese and butter sit out before mixing; this helps create a smooth batter.
• Chill the dough – Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading while baking.
• Don’t overmix – Gently fold in sprinkles to maintain their color and texture; overmixing can lead to unwanted color bleeding.
• Watch baking time – Bake until edges are set but centers remain soft; this ensures that gooey texture everyone loves.
• Cool properly – Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack, helping them firm up slightly.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Pairing these delicious cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Hot Chocolate – A warm drink infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for dipping your cookies.
2. Peppermint Bark – A sweet treat combining dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed peppermint that contrasts nicely with the cookies’ flavor.
3. Fruit Platter – Fresh fruits like strawberries, cranberries, and oranges provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Board – A selection of cheeses paired with crackers adds savory notes that pair well with sweet treats.
5. Nut Mix – A spiced nut mix offers crunch and saltiness, creating an enjoyable contrast to gooey sweetness.
6. Mini Cupcakes – Small cupcakes in festive flavors make lovely companions, adding variety without overwhelming guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always use softened cream cheese and butter. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy dough and affect the cookie’s texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies and cause color bleeding from the sprinkles.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t skip chilling the dough. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape, and ensures a better rise during baking.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges while leaving the centers undercooked.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can lead to cookies that are too dry or too gooey.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Keep them in a single layer to avoid crushing.

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. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies different?

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are distinct because they use cream cheese and cake mix, resulting in an incredibly soft, gooey texture that’s perfect for the holidays.

Can I use other flavors of cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with chocolate or red velvet mixes for different flavor profiles.

How do I store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different types of sprinkles or even mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These cookies make wonderful gifts during the holiday season. Just package them nicely in a festive box or tin.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Their soft texture and delightful flavor make them perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Feel free to customize with various sprinkles or flavors to suit your taste!