If you’re looking for a holiday treat that captures the magic of Christmas in every bite, you have to try this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully soft and irresistibly fudgy right in the center with a sugary, slightly crisp exterior that feels like a festive hug from your oven. The blend of cream cheese and vanilla cake mix results in a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to share, bringing joy and a little nostalgic gooeyness to your holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in creating that perfect gooey texture and festive flavor. From the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the sweetness of powdered sugar, these simple components come together to create a cookie that’s both classic and full of holiday cheer.
- Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base that provides sweetness and a soft crumb texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for that luscious gooey effect.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret ingredient for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warm, comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle nutty note that’s perfect for Christmas.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup for rolling): Coats the cookies to create a delicate outer crust.
- Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar: Brings the festive colors and a touch of crunch.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dough
Start by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This creates the moist, luscious base of your cookies. Then add in the egg and extracts – vanilla is a must, and almond is a beautiful festive addition if you want to take your cookies up a notch. Mix it well until everything is fully combined and fragrant with holiday goodness.
Step 2: Combine with Cake Mix
Gradually add the vanilla cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until you form a soft and slightly sticky dough. The cake mix not only sweetens but gives these cookies their tender structure. Because the dough is a bit sticky, don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want for that gooey finish.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and pop it into the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This rest period firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps your cookies hold their shape while baking. Plus, chilling amps up the flavor melding.
Step 4: Shape and Decorate
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Next, roll each ball in powdered sugar for that soft, sweet crust. For the festive flair, gently press the balls into your choice of red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar to add a cheerful pop of holiday color and texture.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye so the edges are just set while the centers remain soft and gooey—this is the hallmark of these cookies. After baking, let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with perfect, tender cookies!
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe a festive twist by topping them with classic holiday accents like crushed peppermint candies, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These little touches add layers of flavor and extra sparkle that make your treats irresistible on the holiday dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cookies are happy to stand on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a creamy eggnog can elevate your dessert experience. The rich, gooey texture pairs beautifully with warm drinks that have subtle spices, creating a cozy, indulgent holiday vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, arrange your cookies on a tiered cake stand decorated with holly sprigs and small ornaments. Alternatively, wrap a few cookies in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for charming edible gifts that friends and family will adore. Presentation can make these classic cookies feel even more special during the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store leftover Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their signature gooey texture without drying out, perfect for mid-holiday snacking or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead even more, fully baked cookies freeze wonderfully for up to three months. Just layer them separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent sticking. When the holidays roll around, you’ll have these festive treats ready to thaw and enjoy.
Reheating
To revive your frozen or day-old cookies, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F. This brings back that warm, gooey feeling that makes these cookies so comforting, as if they just came fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty flavor, but you can leave it out or try peppermint extract for a Christmas twist. Vanilla alone is delicious and very traditional.
Why are my cookies not gooey in the center?
This usually means they were baked a little too long. The key is to remove them from the oven while the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They firm up as they cool and keep that perfect gooey texture.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
You can experiment with other cake mixes, but vanilla is ideal for balancing the cream cheese flavor. Yellow or white cake mixes work best, while chocolate might overpower the delicate taste of this recipe.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Look for a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to swap in place of the regular one. This swap usually works well without altering the texture much, keeping the cookies gooey and delicious.
Can I add extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
You can, though keep in mind it might change the gooey texture slightly. Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts folded in can add wonderful texture and flavor, but try small batches first to see what you like best!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is a joyful addition to any holiday baking lineup. It’s effortless yet special, with a texture and taste that feels like a warm holiday memory wrapped in every bite. I truly hope you have as much fun making and sharing these cozy, festive cookies as I do. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your holiday traditions.
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, a festive and easy-to-make treat featuring a soft, creamy center made with cream cheese and a vanilla cake mix base. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies are coated in powdered sugar and decorated with red and green sprinkles for a joyful touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Rolling and Decorating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla cake mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, then gently press into red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar if desired. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
- For festive flavor variations, try peppermint extract or lemon zest instead of almond extract.
