If you are looking for a festive treat that melts in your mouth with every bite, then this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need on your holiday baking list. These delightful cookies combine the ease of a cake mix with the rich, creamy texture of a butter and cream cheese filling, resulting in soft, buttery morsels that offer a festive pop of red and green sprinkles. They bring an inviting warmth and joy to any holiday gathering, and the gooey center ensures these cookies stand out as a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these are going to be your go-to holiday cookie for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, from building the soft, rich dough to adding that festive flair. The simplicity of the components means you can easily find them or already have them in your pantry, yet they come together to create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz): This is the base of the cookie that gives it a light, fluffy texture with a sweet vanilla flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds richness and a luscious gooey center to the cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a smooth, creamy texture and balances sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binding agent to hold the dough together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cookie’s aromatic profile with a warm vanilla aroma.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty hint that perfectly complements the festive flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and strengthens the dough’s flavor.
- Red and green sprinkles: Give the cookies a cheerful holiday look that’s fun and festive.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Used for rolling, it creates a delicate, sweet exterior that contrasts beautifully with the gooey inside.
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 together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates the creamy base that gives these cookies their signature gooey texture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to speed up the process and ensure everything is completely blended.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, incorporate the egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the batter looks smooth and uniform. The extracts will infuse the dough with lovely fragrant notes that evoke holiday spirit in every bite.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the cake mix and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies dense. You want this dough to remain light and airy for the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in a few tablespoons of the red and green sprinkles for a pop of holiday color that will shine through after baking. This adds not only visual delight but a touch of sweet crunch to each bite.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This simple pause in the process is key to achieving the perfect balance of gooey center and set edges.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then coat each ball generously in powdered sugar. Place them on the sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the red and green sprinkles baked into the cookies already offer festive charm, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can create a lovely snowy effect. For extra fun, you could drizzle them lightly with white or colored icing to add a glossy, decorative touch that really catches the eye.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks like spiced hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a classic eggnog. The gooey butter flavor complements the creamy richness of these beverages and offers a comforting balance to the cool winter air.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a holiday-themed platter with sprigs of fresh pine or holly to elevate their presentation. You could also stack them in a pretty tin or clear jar tied with a festive ribbon and gift them as a sweet holiday treat for friends and family. Presentation can make your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these delicious cookies left over, make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and gooey for up to 4 days, retaining their signature texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking to save time later, simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly before rolling in powdered sugar and baking as directed. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.
Reheating
To enjoy your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Alternatively, warming them for a few minutes in a low oven also works beautifully.
FAQs
Can I omit the almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty flavor, but the cookies are delicious without it, especially with the vanilla playing the starring role.
What if I don’t have a box of vanilla cake mix?
You can use any boxed cake mix for a different flavor, but vanilla provides a classic balance for this cookie’s richness. Chocolate or spice cake mixes also work well if you want to experiment with flavors.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too cakey?
The key is not overmixing once you add the cake mix and not overbaking. The dough should be just combined and the cookies baked until the edges have set but the centers are still soft and gooey.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free cake mix, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten. Just double-check your other ingredients for any gluten content to keep it safe.
Do these cookies get crispier if I bake them longer?
Yes, but baking longer will reduce the gooey texture that makes these cookies so special. If you prefer a crispier cookie, feel free to add a minute or two, but I recommend sticking to the suggested baking time for the perfect gooey balance.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe that captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite. Easy enough for bakers of all levels and irresistibly soft, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping as your own sweet holiday indulgence. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your festive baking traditions—it’s sure to spread cheer well beyond just Christmas morning!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are rich, soft, and irresistibly festive treats perfect for the holiday season. Made with a simple vanilla cake mix base combined with cream cheese and butter, these cookies feature a delightfully gooey center and a tender crumb. Finished with red and green sprinkles and a powdered sugar coating, they’re as cheerful to look at as they are delicious, making them ideal for holiday parties or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles, a few tablespoons
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined. Gradually add the vanilla cake mix and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in a few tablespoons of red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes until firm enough to handle easily.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Generously coat the dough balls by rolling them in powdered sugar until well covered.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Press a few extra sprinkles on top of each dough ball before baking for extra festive decoration.
- To maintain their gooey texture, avoid overbaking as this will dry out the centers.
- These cookies freeze well, so you can bake ahead and thaw when ready to enjoy.
