A Festive Treat for the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to gather in the kitchen and whip up some delightful treats that bring joy to friends and family. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence — soft, chewy, and packed with festive cheer. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, these cookies are easy to make and deliver professional-quality results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are ideal for anyone who loves festive baking but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that looks and tastes like they came from a gourmet bakery.
- Customizable: The holiday sprinkles add a festive touch, but you can easily swap them out for different themes or colors to suit any occasion.
- Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of cream cheese, butter, and cake mix creates a soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for holiday enthusiasts, busy parents, or anyone who wants to add a bit of sweetness to their Christmas celebrations, this recipe will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 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 of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
These pantry-friendly ingredients are all you need to create cookies that are as festive as they are delicious.
Kitchen Equipment
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for evenly sized cookies)
- Wire cooling rack
Having the right equipment on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Next, stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
3. Add the Festive Touch
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the sprinkles to bleed and discolor the dough.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
5. Form and Coat the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to preserve their gooey texture.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab one (or two) and savor the festive flavors!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened for a smooth dough.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Even Coating: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for that signature crackled look.
Variations and Substitutions
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Color Themes: Use sprinkles in different colors to match various holidays or events (e.g., red and pink for Valentine’s Day).
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Storing Leftovers
These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday gifting or prepping ahead of time.
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Extend their freshness by storing them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with:
- A warm mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
- A glass of eggnog or mulled wine for a festive twist.
- Freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
What if I don’t have sprinkles?
No problem! You can leave them out or substitute with mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set, but the centers will still look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft and gooey texture.
Wrap-Up and Call to Action
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that combines ease, flavor, and festive charm. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or indulging in a sweet moment at home, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes, festive tips, and kitchen inspiration. Let’s make this holiday season the sweetest one yet!