Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for baking traditions, sweet indulgences, and making memories in the kitchen. But let’s face it, we’ve all had our fair share of baking disasters—like the time I tried to skip the dough-chilling step in my holiday cookie rush and ended up with a batch of cookies flatter than pancakes! Thankfully, this recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is foolproof, forgiving, and festive, ensuring soft, chewy, and perfectly colorful cookies every time.

These cookies are made with simple ingredients, including a box of yellow cake mix, which keeps the process easy while delivering that signature gooey texture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a fun holiday project, this recipe is your ticket to cookie success.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Soft, Gooey Perfection

These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey. The cream cheese and butter in the dough ensure a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the slight crispness of the powdered sugar coating.

Festive and Colorful

The addition of holiday sprinkles makes these cookies instantly festive. Their vibrant colors add cheer to any cookie platter, making them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as gifts.

Easy and Semi-Homemade

Thanks to the use of boxed cake mix, this recipe simplifies the baking process without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great option when you’re short on time but still want to make something impressive.

Perfect for Sharing

With a batch yielding about 32 cookies, this recipe ensures there’s plenty to go around. They’re also great for packing into holiday tins or boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Dough

• Cream Cheese (8 oz): Provides the signature gooey texture and rich flavor. Full-fat brick-style cream cheese works best.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay soft.
• Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder and helps give the cookies structure.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth.
• Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Forms the base of the dough, delivering both flavor and convenience.
• Holiday Sprinkles (½ cup): Adds a festive touch with pops of color.

For the Coating

• Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Creates the classic crackled appearance and a sweet outer layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This step ensures there are no lumps in the dough.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually mix in the yellow cake mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding into the dough.

Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for firming up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Form the Cookies

1. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated. This not only adds sweetness but also creates the signature crackled look as the cookies bake.
3. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese

Full-fat brick-style cream cheese is essential for achieving the right texture. Avoid using spreadable cream cheese, which can make the dough too soft and affect the cookies’ consistency.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, lump-free dough.

Chill the Dough

Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Mix Sprinkles Gently

To keep the holiday sprinkles from bleeding into the dough, fold them in gently and avoid overmixing.

Variations and Customizations of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Flavor Enhancements

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Almond Extract: Substitute half the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Holiday Themes

• Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
• Dust with edible glitter or drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.

Add Mix-Ins

• Stir in white chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of milk, or a steaming cup of coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storing

Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~103 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~14g
• Protein: ~1g
• Fat: ~5g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Cholesterol: ~20mg
• Sodium: ~100mg

Why You Should Make These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Today

Effortless Holiday Joy

The holidays can be a whirlwind of activities, from decorating and shopping to attending gatherings and hosting dinners. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect solution for anyone looking to add festive cheer to their dessert table without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies quickly and stress-free.

What’s more, the use of boxed cake mix simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor, making this recipe ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Their soft, gooey texture and festive sprinkles add a touch of holiday magic to every bite.

Perfect for All Ages

One of the best things about these cookies is their universal appeal. Kids and adults alike will adore their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor. They’re the kind of cookies that make everyone reach for seconds, whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a holiday party, or a casual movie night.

Hosting a cookie swap? These cookies are guaranteed to stand out with their bright sprinkles and crackled powdered sugar coating. Need a quick dessert for a school event or workplace celebration? These gooey delights are a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Plus, they’re fun to make with kids. Little ones will love helping to roll the dough balls in powdered sugar or sprinkling the festive decorations, turning your baking session into a cherished holiday memory.

A Gift from the Heart

The holidays are all about spreading love and joy, and what better way to do that than with homemade treats? These cookies make an excellent gift for friends, neighbors, coworkers, or teachers. Pack them into decorative tins, cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or even holiday-themed boxes. Add a handwritten note or recipe card for a personal touch.

Homemade gifts are always appreciated, and these cookies strike the perfect balance between thoughtfulness and simplicity. They’re an affordable yet meaningful way to show your appreciation during the season of giving.

A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

These cookies aren’t just for Christmas—they’re perfect for any festive occasion. Swap the red and green sprinkles for pastel colors in the spring, orange and black for Halloween, or even gold and silver for New Year’s celebrations. Their versatility makes them a year-round favorite.

You can also dress them up with creative touches, like drizzling melted white chocolate over the top or dusting them with edible glitter for an extra festive flair. No matter the occasion, these cookies will fit right in.

A Nostalgic Flavor with a Modern Twist

There’s something about the flavor of gooey butter cookies that feels nostalgic. The buttery richness and soft, chewy texture bring back memories of childhood holidays spent baking and sharing treats with loved ones. By adding festive sprinkles, this recipe gives the classic flavor a modern, playful twist that’s perfect for today’s celebrations.

The crackled powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also gives these cookies a beautiful, snow-dusted appearance that’s ideal for the holiday season. They’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Preheat Your Oven and Get Baking

There’s no need to wait to try this recipe. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a simple, delicious way to bring joy to your holiday season. Their soft, gooey texture, vibrant sprinkles, and irresistible flavor make them a must-bake treat for any festive occasion.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the comforting aroma of holiday cookies. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a few with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.

Start baking today and experience the magic of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies for yourself. Your taste buds—and everyone lucky enough to try them—will thank you!

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