If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances festive cheer with irresistible gooeyness, then I can’t wait for you to try this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a glorious marriage of soft, cream cheese-enriched dough and a delightfully buttery texture that almost melts in your mouth, all while bringing a joyful splash of holiday color through sparkling red and green sprinkles. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and truly embody the warmth and sweetness of the holiday season in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is wonderfully straightforward because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create that signature smooth, tender, and slightly gooey texture. Each component works harmoniously to give you that perfect bite of buttery richness and gentle sweetness.
- Vanilla cake mix: Acts as the base, offering a sweet, light crumb and structure for the dough.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides moisture and that iconic rich, tangy creaminess that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds buttery flavor and softness without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
- Large egg: Binds all ingredients and contributes to the tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes essential for holiday treats.
- Almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty fragrance that beautifully complements the vanilla if you choose to include it.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create a light, sweet outer layer with a hint of crunch.
- Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional): Perfect for adding that festive sparkle and color, turning these cookies into holiday show-stoppers.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This step is key because a well-blended base guarantees your cookies will have that luxuriously soft texture that sets them apart.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, mix in the egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients add moisture and the delightful flavors that make your cookies utterly addictive.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add in the vanilla cake mix and continue stirring until a thick dough forms. This dough should be dense enough to hold its shape but tender enough to create that wonderfully gooey center.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling is essential because it helps control spreading during baking, making sure your cookies keep their perfect shape and don’t flatten out too much.
Step 5: Prepare and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of chilled dough, then roll each one in powdered sugar to coat. For a festive touch, press the dough balls gently into red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles. Place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for just a little spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges firm up but the centers remain soft and gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set up just enough so that gooey texture won’t be lost but will still delightfully cling to your fingers.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant snowy look or add a dusting of edible glitter to amplify those festive vibes. The red and green sprinkles already add a perfect holiday touch, but if you want to get fancy, white chocolate drizzle is a luxurious addition that pairs wonderfully with the buttery cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced eggnog or classic hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. For a less traditional pairing, a glass of cold milk or even peppermint tea enhances the rich, buttery flavor perfectly and balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging the cookies on a tiered holiday platter with fresh pine sprigs and small ornaments for a stunning centerpiece at your holiday party. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with tartan ribbons also makes for thoughtful, homemade gifts that are as charming as they are delicious. You can even sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a decadently gooey treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and flavorful, but if you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is an option, just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for best texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze well both as dough and baked treats. For dough, shape into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To freeze cookies after baking, layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container to prevent sticking and freezer burn.
Reheating
To revive frozen or stored cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that signature gooey texture and buttery warmth that makes these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla gives the classic flavor, you can experiment with spice or butter pecan cake mix for a unique twist—just keep in mind how those flavors pair with cream cheese and butter.
Is the almond extract necessary?
Not at all. The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty note, but the cookies are delicious with just vanilla extract if you prefer a simpler flavor.
What if I don’t chill the dough?
Skipping the chill step often causes the cookies to spread too thin during baking, resulting in less gooey centers and thinner cookies. So chilling is highly recommended for the best texture.
Can I make these dairy-free?
With some substitutions like vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter, you can make a dairy-free version, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly due to ingredient differences.
How do I avoid the cookies sticking to the pan?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is the best way to prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cookie that wraps you in cozy holiday warmth with every bite, this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is a must-try. The simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinarily comforting and festive, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them, or sneaking a batch for yourself, these cookies truly capture the joy and sweetness of the season.
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and delightfully sweet treats perfect for the holiday season. Made with a box of vanilla cake mix and rich cream cheese, they have a unique gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Decorated with festive red and green sanding sugar, these cookies bring a cheerful touch to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Rolling and Decorating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are combined evenly.
- Add the cake mix: Gradually incorporate the vanilla cake mix into the wet mixture, mixing continuously to form a thick and cohesive dough. Make sure the dough is well combined without overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps prevent excessive spreading when baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Shape and coat cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Roll each ball first in powdered sugar to coat evenly, then if desired, gently press into red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles to add festive decoration.
- Arrange and bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- If you prefer a purely vanilla flavor, you can omit the almond extract.
- For an extra festive look, roll the cookies in red and green sprinkles after coating with powdered sugar.
- Make sure to use softened cream cheese and butter for easier mixing and smoother dough texture.
