Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Have you ever tasted a cookie that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter night? I remember the first time I made these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies—they transformed our holiday gathering into a sweet, memorable celebration. With their soft, chewy texture and a delightful cream cheese base, these festive treats embody the spirit of the season. Perfect for cookie exchanges or casual family get-togethers, they are incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients.

One of the best parts about these cookies is their versatility: you can jazz them up with festive sprinkles or mix in chocolate chips for an extra treat. Plus, they’re quick to bake, taking only about 10-12 minutes in the oven, so you can indulge your sweet tooth without a long wait. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll adore how simple it is to create this holiday delight. Ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of buttery bliss? Let’s dive into this recipe!

Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a must-try?

Chewy Texture: These cookies are delightfully soft and melt in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat.
Festive Appeal: The holiday sprinkles add a pop of color, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time.
Versatile Variations: Customize the flavor by swapping sprinkles or adding chocolate chips.
Crowd Favorite: These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit—everyone will be reaching for seconds! If you're looking for more delectable treats, check out these scrumptious red velvet sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting for an added festive touch!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies with our simple ingredient list!

For the Dough

Full-fat cream cheese – Provides a rich, creamy texture; ensure you use block-style cream cheese for best results.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and creates a wonderfully soft texture; remember to soften it for easy mixing.
Large egg – Binds all the ingredients together and enhances the cookie's dreamy, soft structure.
Vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor profile; feel free to substitute with almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Yellow cake mix – Forms the delicious base of the dough, offering sweetness and structure; can be swapped with vanilla or white cake mix for a different taste.

For the Topping

Holiday sprinkles – Add a burst of color and festive flair; these are optional but make your cookies pop! You can also switch them out for mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.
Powdered sugar – Rolls the dough balls in a sweet finish; alternatively, try using colored sanding sugar for an extra festive touch.

Dive into making these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies and indulge in their soft and chewy goodness!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. While the oven is heating, gather two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. Having everything ready before you start mixing will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter, a large egg, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This creates a rich base that adds to the gooeyness of your cookies, setting the stage for deliciousness.

Step 3
Next, gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms. This should take about 2 minutes; you may need to switch to a spatula as the dough thickens. Be sure to mix until no dry cake mix remains visible, creating a cohesive dough that will ultimately result in soft, chewy Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 4
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this could deflate the dough. The sprinkles will add a festive flair and a burst of color to your cookies, making them even more appealing for holiday celebrations. Once mixed, the dough should have beautiful specks of color throughout.

Step 5
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle when you scoop and shape the cookies. While you wait, you can delight in the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen and prepare for the next steps.

Step 6
After chilling, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into 1 ½-inch balls. Roll each ball gently in powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds a sweet finishing touch and helps create that lovely powdered exterior once baked. Lay the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the centers remain slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking, ensuring your cookies maintain that gooey texture.

Step 8
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step lets them set slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. After a brief cool down, gently transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely, allowing you to enjoy their soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness at its best!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.

Fridge: If you'd like to prolong their freshness, you can place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, simply thaw them at room temperature and pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their gooey texture, making them just as delightful as fresh-baked Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations

Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own by adding unique twists and substitutions!

Vanilla Swap: Use vanilla or white cake mix instead of yellow for a subtler flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
Chocolate Delight: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness that'll please any chocolate lover in the family.
Minty Twist: Add crushed candy canes to the dough for a refreshing minty flavor that encapsulates the spirit of the season.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to add a delightful crunch and richness to each gooey bite.
Dye for Festivity: Tint the dough with red or green gel food coloring; it’s a festive surprise that brings extra holiday cheer.
Spice It Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for that warm, cozy flavor reminiscent of holiday baking.
Coconut Flake: Fold in unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist that balances beautifully with the gooey texture of the cookies.
Zesty Citrus: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten the cookies, creating a delightful contrast against the cream cheese's richness.

Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Block Cream Cheese: Ensure to use block cream cheese instead of spreadable types to achieve the desired gooey texture for your cookies.

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough. This step helps firm it up for easier handling and results in a better texture after baking.

Measure Cake Mix Carefully: If your cookies don't flatten, double-check the weight of your yellow cake mix, as different brands can vary in size and density.

Avoid Overmixing: When folding in holiday sprinkles, do so gently to preserve the lightness of the dough. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.

Customize Flavors: Consider swapping in flavored extracts or mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to elevate your Christmas gooey butter cookies to another level of festive cheer!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it as directed and then refrigerating it in an airtight container. This not only saves time on busy days but also helps the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want even further convenience, you can scoop the dough into balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. Just remember to allow the dough balls to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to ensure they spread nicely. With these simple prep steps, you’ll have fresh cookies ready to delight your friends and family with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

Bring the joy of the holiday season to your table with these delightful pairings that will make any gathering a little sweeter.

Glass of Milk: The classic pairing provides a creamy contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, enhancing every gooey bite. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the nostalgia!
Hot Chocolate Bar: Imagine sipping rich hot chocolate while enjoying a cookie. Set up a bar with fun toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream for a festive twist.
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, minty treat complements the soft, chewy cookies with its bold flavors, adding a refreshing crunch that balances the overall sweetness.
Fruit Salad: A light and fresh fruit salad brings a burst of color and citrusy brightness to your dessert spread, rounding out the richness of the cookies beautifully.
Eggnog: Embrace the spirit of the season with a comforting glass of eggnog. Its creamy texture and hint of nutmeg harmonize with the cookies’ flavor profile for festive joy.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or holiday-spiced tea contrasts perfectly with the cookie’s gooeyness, creating a cozy atmosphere ideal for family bonding.

These pairings not only elevate the enjoyment of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, but they also set the stage for heartwarming memories during festive gatherings.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the secret to gooey cookies?
Absolutely! The secret to gooey cookies often lies in the right balance of ingredients. Using full-fat cream cheese, like in our Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, not only adds moisture but also creates that rich, soft texture. Additionally, baking them just until the edges are set while the centers remain slightly soft ensures a gooey center. Avoid over-baking to maintain that delightful, melt-in-your-mouth quality!

How to make cookies more chewy and gooey?
Very! To achieve a chewy and gooey texture in your cookies, try incorporating more fat, like unsalted butter or cream cheese, which is used in this recipe. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial—it firms up the fat and helps prevent spreading during baking. Lastly, ensure you're not over-mixing once you add the flour or cake mix; this can lead to denser cookies instead of the desired chewiness.

What is the least favorite Christmas cookie?
Interestingly, preferences may vary, but many people consider fruitcake cookies or overly dry cookies to be among the less desirable holiday treats. In contrast, our Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a crowd favorite, showcasing how a moist, flavorful cookie can outshine a dry one at any holiday gathering.

How can I store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies to maintain their softness?
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to allow them to come back to room temperature before indulging for the best flavor and texture!

Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies? If so, how?
Yes! Freezing is a wonderful way to preserve your cookies. After baking and cooling them completely, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a delightful gooey treat!

What dietary considerations should I keep in mind for this recipe?
When baking these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, consider potential allergies: the main allergens include gluten from the cake mix and dairy from the cream cheese and butter. For a gluten-free version, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative of the same weight, ensuring that all your mix-ins, like sprinkles, are also gluten-free. As with any baked good, it's always wise to check ingredient labels to accommodate friends and family with dietary restrictions.

Aria West