There is something truly magical about the holiday season, and nothing captures its cozy spirit better than a batch of irresistible sweets. The Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly that kind of treasure—soft, buttery, and deliciously gooey in the center with a dusting of festive sugar that immediately puts a smile on your face. These cookies combine simplicity and decadence in a way that makes them perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether you’re packing a holiday cookie tray or just sneaking one (or two) with a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Using just a few familiar ingredients, every single component plays a vital role—cream cheese and butter create that melt-in-your-mouth texture, cake mix provides effortless sweetness and structure, and powdered sugar finishes the cookies with a delicate, snowy touch. Each ingredient contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds richness and the signature gooey texture that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Brings creaminess and depth to the dough, helping the cookies stay tender.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and enriches the dough with moisture and stability.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces; white or yellow): Provides the base for the dough and delivers sweet, soft crumb—feel free to try festive flavors for a holiday twist!
- Powdered sugar (½ cup for rolling): Coats the dough balls to add sweetness and a delicate texture on the outside.
- Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional): A festive touch that makes these cookies a cheerful addition to any holiday gathering.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it helps create that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth base that defines the cookies. Take your time here for the best texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat these together until fully incorporated. This will add richness and depth to the dough, making the flavor more rounded and the texture smooth and tender.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually mix in the cake mix until you form a thick, manageable dough. The cake mix is what lends the cookies their soft crumb and subtle sweetness. Don’t worry if the dough feels a little dense—that’s exactly how it should be for handling.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough, which is essential for rolling it into balls without sticking and ensures the cookies bake evenly, maintaining their gooey center.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, so you can focus entirely on the fun part—decorating and baking!
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball first in powdered sugar and, if you like, in colorful red and green sanding sugar or holiday sprinkles. The sugars add a beautifully sweet and festive finish, making your cookies look as good as they taste.
Step 7: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at least two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep that classic gooey texture alive. Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the red and green sanding sugar or holiday sprinkles already add festive appeal, you can also dust the finished cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy, wintry effect. Edible glitter or a subtle glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can add a shiny, elegant touch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, freshly brewed coffee, or even mulled wine. Their rich and gooey nature makes them a perfect match for drinks that balance sweetness and warmth during chilly holiday evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, arrange the cookies on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or greenery like fir sprigs or holly. You can also package them as gifts by stacking a few in decorative boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with a bright ribbon. Nothing says holiday cheer like sharing these treats with loved ones wrapped in love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover cookies (which is rare because they’re so addictive), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and maintains their gooey center without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and baked cookies. For the dough, shape into balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen in a single layer with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring the magic back to life, gently warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their soft, gooey texture and gives you that fresh-baked delight all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Using red velvet or chocolate cake mix adds a fun twist that’s perfect for the holidays. Just keep everything else the same, and you’ll end up with gooey, flavorful cookies in a stunning new color.
Do I have to refrigerate the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is a crucial step. It makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, ensuring the gooey centers stay intact.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for its texture, so substituting with vegan alternatives might change the results. However, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and non-dairy butter, just be prepared for a slightly different texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too thin, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter was too soft when mixed. Try chilling the dough longer and use firm dough balls to prevent excessive spreading.
How do I keep the centers gooey without underbaking?
Bake the cookies until the edges are set but the centers look slightly undercooked—they will continue to set as they cool. Avoid baking beyond the recommended time to preserve that signature gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a holiday cookie that combines ease, festive fun, and the kind of melt-in-your-mouth goodness everyone loves, this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies bring warmth and joy in every bite, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy nights in. I can’t wait for you to try them and share a little sweetness this season!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies combine cream cheese, butter, and cake mix to create soft, sweet, and festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Rolled in powdered sugar and colored sanding sugar or sprinkles, they bring a delightful holiday twist to classic buttery cookies with a gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white or yellow cake mix
Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until fully combined. Gradually mix in the cake mix until a thick dough forms. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- Form and coat the dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball using your hands. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat completely. If desired, roll again or sprinkle with red and green sanding sugar or holiday sprinkles for a festive look. Place the coated balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges become set and the centers remain slightly soft to retain their gooey texture. Avoid overbaking to keep the softness inside.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Any flavor of cake mix can be used for variations, such as red velvet or chocolate, to create different festive flavors.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; you can freeze baked cookies or the dough balls for future baking.
