If you’re on the hunt for a holiday treat that’s equal parts easy, festive, and downright delicious, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are your answer! Soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery flavor, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake.
Toss in some red and green sprinkles for a cheerful holiday vibe, and you’ve got a cookie that’s perfect for swapping, gifting, or just indulging with a warm mug of cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With a base made from cake mix, these cookies are super simple to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
- Festive Flair: Holiday sprinkles add a fun, seasonal touch that makes these cookies perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- Incredibly Soft: Thanks to cream cheese and butter, these cookies stay moist and tender for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream Cheese: Provides that signature gooey texture. Use full-fat brick-style cream cheese for the best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and softness.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The secret to a quick and flavorful cookie base.
- Powdered Sugar: Coats the cookies for that iconic crackled finish.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles add the perfect festive touch.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the cake mix to create a thick, sticky dough. - Add the Festive Flair
Gently fold in holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding. - Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle. - Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. - Bake
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. - Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Customizing Your Gooey Butter Cookies
- Switch the Sprinkles: Use your favorite colors for different holidays or celebrations.
- Try a New Cake Mix: Vanilla, funfetti, or even chocolate cake mix work beautifully.
- Add Extracts: Experiment with almond or peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or white chocolate chunks for extra flavor.
- Skip the Sprinkles: Go classic and skip the sprinkles for an elegant take on the cookies.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and butter ensure a smooth, lump-free dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft; they’ll set as they cool.
- Generously Coat with Powdered Sugar: This ensures the cookies have that perfect crackled look.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Perfect Pairings
These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of festive treats. Serve alongside a cup of hot chocolate, eggnog, or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me on social media with your festive cookie creations! 🎄🍪
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday twist on the classic cake mix cookie. Cream cheese gives them an irresistibly soft texture, while colorful sprinkles make them a fun and festive treat perfect for cookie swaps or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles red and green recommended
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Incorporate the Cake Mix
- Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Add the Festive Touch
- Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent the sprinkles’ colors from bleeding into the dough.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out portions of the dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
Bake the Cookies
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and butter ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar: This step creates the signature crackled appearance once baked.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
