Bring the holiday spirit to your kitchen with these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! This recipe combines the simplicity of cake mix with the richness of cream cheese to create irresistibly soft and chewy cookies. Decorated with festive sprinkles and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re the perfect treat for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a sweet gift for loved ones.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies :

1. Festive and Fun: With holiday sprinkles and a powdered sugar coating, these cookies are as joyful to look at as they are to eat.
2. Super Easy to Make: Thanks to the cake mix base, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.
3. Soft and Chewy Texture: The cream cheese ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
4. Great for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting or gifting, these cookies are always a hit!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie Ingredients :

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened (for that creamy, gooey texture)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (adds richness)
• 1 large egg (helps bind the ingredients)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix (the secret to quick and easy dough)
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (adds a festive touch)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookie dough balls)

Essential Baking Equipment :

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling rack

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: 

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the cake mix and mix on low speed until a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Add Sprinkles

1. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the colors to bleed into the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

1. Scoop the chilled dough into 1 1/2-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
2. Roll each ball gently between your palms to form a smooth shape.
3. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick, even layer.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers still appear slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cookies :

1. Use Softened Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape and achieving the perfect texture.
4. Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey texture.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie Variations :

• Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix and add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Peppermint Gooey Butter Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before baking.
• Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Use red velvet cake mix for a vibrant and festive cookie perfect for Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. Can I Freeze the Dough?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

2. Why Are My Cookies Flat?

Flat cookies are often the result of skipping the chilling step or using melted butter. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes and use softened (not melted) butter.

3. Can I Use Different Sprinkles?

Absolutely! Any type of sprinkles will work, but holiday-themed sprinkles add extra festivity.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Instructions :

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter.
• Enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To keep them longer, freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To restore their gooey texture, warm the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving.

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Yield: 24 Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Print

Soft, chewy, and packed with holiday cheer, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are made with cake mix for an easy and festive treat!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the cake mix and stir until a thick dough forms.
4. Gently fold in sprinkles and chill dough for 30 minutes.
5. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and coat with powdered sugar.
6. Place dough balls on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Nutrition (Per Cookie):Calories: 120 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 1g

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