There’s something special about the holiday season that pulls us towards the kitchen, urging us to create warm, delicious memories. Picture this: a cozy afternoon spent surrounded by twinkling lights and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Enter the star of your holiday baking lineup: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These soft and chewy delights are not just a treat; they’re a way to bring joy and comfort to your celebrations.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 25 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are perfect for everything from cookie exchanges to family gatherings. Imagine biting into one of these goodies, discovering a slightly gooey center enveloped in a delicate powdered sugar coating. They’re sure to elicit smiles and warm hearts, making them a crowd favorite among both friends and family. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and create some holiday magic together!
Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies so special?
Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite delivers a delightful combination of softness and chewy goodness, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to impress holiday guests without spending all day in the kitchen!
Festive Appeal: A shower of powdered sugar and optional sprinkles makes each cookie a festive treat, ideal for holiday parties.
Customizable: Want a twist? Try adding peppermint or even chocolate chips for a varied flavor experience.
Family Favorite: These cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe, bringing loved ones together with their irresistible taste and delightful aroma.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
• Cake Mix — 1 box (15.25 oz) – Provides sweetness and structure; feel free to use any flavor of cake mix, like yellow or vanilla, for a personal touch.
• Cream Cheese — 8 oz (softened) – This ingredient adds richness and a gooey texture; you can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option.
• Unsalted Butter — 1/2 cup (softened) – Contributes to moisture and rich flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Eggs — 2 large – Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract — 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor profile of these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
• Almond Extract — 1/2 teaspoon (optional) – Adds an extra layer of flavor; feel free to omit or swap with another extract you enjoy.
For Coating
• Powdered Sugar — 1 cup (for rolling) – Sweetens the cookies and creates that lovely, snowy appearance.
• Festive Sprinkles — (optional) – Adds decorative flair and visual appeal to your cookies, making them perfect for the holiday season.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
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Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious base for your cookies.
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Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the two large eggs, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the mixture, stirring well until all ingredients are fully combined and fluffy.
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Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add in the cake mix, mixing until just combined. You want your dough to be thick and sticky—this is key to that gooey texture!
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Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.
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Prepare for Rolling: As your dough chills, place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. This will be used for rolling the cookies and adding that sweet finish.
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Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to form dough balls. Aim for about 1.5 inches in size for perfectly bite-sized cookies.
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Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
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Bake: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be set around the edges, with slightly cracked tops, signaling they’re done!
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Finish with Sprinkles: While the cookies are still warm, feel free to sprinkle on some festive sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday cheer!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer keeping them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that tasty gooeyness!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll the chilled dough in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months—just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed. This way, you’ll have delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with minimal effort when it matters most!
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Delight your family and friends with a full holiday experience by pairing these cookies with sweet accompaniments that enhance their gooey goodness.
- Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy with a hint of chocolate, it’s the perfect drink alongside the sweet bite of these cookies.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Take your cookies to the next level with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a festive treat.
- Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, this traditional holiday drink complements the cookies perfectly, making for a cozy pairing.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies while providing a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
- Milk: Classic and comforting, a glass of cold milk is always the right choice, enhancing the richness of the cookies.
These pairings will surely create delightful moments, ensuring your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies shine during the holiday season!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into these delightful cookies!
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Peppermint Twist: Swap almond extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor that instantly lifts spirits. Imagine a wintery oasis with each bite!
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Zesty Lemon: Replace almond extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cookies’ sweetness wonderfully. Lemon adds a joyful zing to your favorite cookies!
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Chocolate-Lovers Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for an indulgent treat that satisfies every chocolate craving. These gooey chocolate surprises will dance on your taste buds!
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add texture and a delightful crunch. The contrast of softness and crunch is simply irresistible.
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Coconut Flavor: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist that brings joy to your taste buds while adding delightful chewiness. This will make your cookies feel like a sunny holiday!
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Spicy Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mix for a warm, spiced flavor that brings comfort and nostalgia. Cinnamon elevates the holiday spirit with every delicious nibble.
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Mini Marshmallow Surprise: Incorporate mini marshmallows into the dough for a gooey texture that’ll remind you of a cozy campfire treat! Each marshmallow bite adds sweetness and warmth.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for your gluten-sensitive friends, so everyone can enjoy a taste of holiday cheer!
Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth, well-blended batter. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps.
- Chill for Success: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step helps prevent spreading and ensures your cookies maintain their shape, delivering that signature gooey center.
- Avoid Overbaking: Remember, cookies continue to cook after they’re out of the oven. Remove them while they’re still soft in the center to maintain that delightful texture in your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
- Measuring Flour: If substituting cake mix, be sure to measure it accurately. Too much flour can make cookies dry and dense—nobody wants that!
- Customize with Extras: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or different extracts like peppermint for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cake mix works best for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix, but I recommend yellow or vanilla for those rich, classic holiday flavors. The cake mix lends sweetness and structure to the cookies, so choose one that excites your taste buds!
How should I store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to enjoy them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, the more the merrier! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up for about 30 minutes. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds!
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! If the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, it might spread. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape. Also, make sure the butter and cream cheese are at the right temperature—not overly soft—when mixing.
Are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
While these cookies are a delightful treat for people, they are not safe for pets, especially because of the chocolate and sugar. If you have allergies, ensure to read the labels of the cake mix and other ingredients. Substituting with gluten-free cake mix can accommodate those with gluten intolerances. Always check for allergens!
Irresistible Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Blend the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully combined and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the cake mix, mixing until just combined, ensuring the dough is thick and sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes.
- Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl for rolling the cookies.
- Scoop the dough into balls approximately 1.5 inches in size.
- Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated and place on the baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes until set around the edges and slightly cracked on top.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Sprinkle with festive sprinkles while warm for an extra touch.