The aroma of freshly baked cookies has a magical way of lifting our spirits, especially during the holiday season. Today, I’m thrilled to share my cherished recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies—soft, chewy holiday treats that bring a delightful twist to traditional baking. With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are not only easy to whip up but also perfect for sharing at cookie swaps or cozy gatherings with loved ones. As they bake, the gooey centers create an irresistible pull that keeps everyone coming back for more. Not to mention, there are gluten-free options available for those looking to indulge without compromise. Ready to spread some seasonal cheer? Let’s dive into this festive adventure together!
Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies irresistible?
Festive Fun: These cookies are not just treats; they’re an essential part of your holiday festivities! Perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy gatherings, they will bring joy to your celebrations.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe, making it an unmissable holiday staple.
Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your taste—try adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a unique flair.
Gooey Goodness: The chewy texture paired with a gooey center creates a delightful contrast that explodes with flavor, sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
Gluten-Free Options: Those with dietary restrictions can still indulge, as gluten-free alternatives can easily be incorporated without sacrificing taste.
Warm & Inviting: Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat, reminiscent of childhood holiday memories. Combine them with some Honey Butter Skillet Corn for a festive treat that everyone will love!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Cream Cheese – Provides the cookies their signature softness; use full-fat brick-style for best results.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can be swapped with salted butter; adjust added salt accordingly.
- Large Egg – Binds everything together; substitute with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; for a festive twist, substitute with almond or peppermint extract.
- Yellow Cake Mix – Acts as the base, providing sweetness and structure; can use vanilla or white cake mix if preferred.
For the Coating
- Powdered Sugar – Used for rolling the cookie dough balls for a delightful, sweet finish.
For Festive Additions
- Holiday Sprinkles – Adds a fun visual appeal; feel free to skip or replace with chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a flavorful twist.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures that the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.
Step 2: Cream the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer to beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This helps create the rich, gooey texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is well combined, about 1-2 minutes. The batter should be smooth and have a slight sheen, indicating it is ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix in the Cake Mix
Gently fold in the yellow cake mix using a spatula. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be thick and gooey, making these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a delight.
Step 5: Add Festive Sprinkles
If you’re using them, fold in your holiday sprinkles at this stage. These add a festive touch to your cookies. Ensure that the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough so that every bite of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is colorful and exciting.
Step 6: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into 1 ½ inch balls. Roll each ball gently in powdered sugar until well coated, creating that delightful sweet finish. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set, but the centers look soft and slightly puffy. This is key to achieving that gooey center everyone loves in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Step 8: Cool and Transfer
Once done baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly. After they’ve cooled, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set perfectly, ensuring each bite delivers that soft, chewy goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Another great option is to scoop the dough into balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and freeze the cookie balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight, then bake them straight from the fridge for 10-12 minutes until they’re warm and gooey. This way, you have delicious cookies at your fingertips with minimal effort!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these cookies to match your festive spirit!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for a deliciously inclusive treat without missing out on the classic taste.
- Vegan Delight: Substitute the egg with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce for a plant-based version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
- Minty Twist: Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract to give your cookies a refreshing holiday vibe that pairs beautifully with hot cocoa.
- Chocolatey Surprise: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chunks for an indulgent twist that adds a rich dash of flavor to each bite.
- Colorful Dough: Divide the dough and add red or green gel food coloring for a festive touch. These vibrant cookies will be a hit at any gathering!
- Crunchy Texture: Add a handful of crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the softness.
- Dipped in Chocolate: After baking and cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for an elegant finish.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting spice that embraces the essence of the holiday season.
For even more festive fun, you can serve these cookies alongside a warm batch of Honey Butter Skillet Corn or share them as part of a delightful cookie platter with some Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
The perfect occasion awaits as you gather friends and family around a plate of cookies that radiate warmth and cheer.
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Creamy Hot Cocoa: Sipping this rich, chocolatey beverage pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies, enhancing that cozy feeling.
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Classic Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is a timeless classic, accentuating the sweetness of the gooey butter cookies every bite of the way.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness, offering a bright and vibrant contrast to the indulgent cookies.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai complement the vanilla and buttery notes, creating a comforting combination perfect for chilly evenings.
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Buttery Popcorn: A lightly salted popcorn provides a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, chewy cookies as you snack merrily together.
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Gingerbread Cake: For those who love holiday flavors, pairing with a slice of gingerbread cake infuses every moment with seasonal cheer, celebrating the essence of Christmas.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer to prolong freshness, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they’re in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, gently reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back their gooey goodness and delightful warmth.
Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This aids in creating a smoother batter that yields perfectly soft cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: When folding in the cake mix, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser, less gooey Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Chill the Dough: For a firmer cookie shape, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before scooping. This helps them maintain shape while baking.
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Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The centers should be soft and slightly puffy; avoid overbaking for that gooey texture.
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Storage Matters: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in a single layer. This preserves their delightful softness for longer.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative by adding different extracts or mix-ins. Chocolate chips or crushed peppermint cane keep the spirit of the holidays alive!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cream cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat brick-style cream cheese. Avoid spreadable varieties, as they can change the consistency of your cookie dough.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Very! Store your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, always ensuring they’re sealed tightly to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
No worries! If your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps the butter firm up, keeping your cookies intact. Additionally, ensure your oven is properly calibrated—sometimes, a lower temperature can lead to better control over spreading.
Are there any allergen considerations for these ingredients?
Certainly! If you’re making these cookies for someone with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option. Remember to choose gluten-free cake mix if you’re aiming to keep the cookies gluten-free!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: Soft and Chewy Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue mixing until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the yellow cake mix until a thick, sticky dough forms, avoiding overmixing.
- If using, fold in holiday sprinkles to add a festive touch to the dough.
- Portion out dough into 1 ½ inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly puffy.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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