Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: A Cozy Holiday Treat
As the chill of winter sweeps in and the twinkling lights begin to glow, there’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season. Each year, my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of warmth and comfort, filled with the sweet scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugary delights. One of my cherished recipes that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this season is my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. They’re creamy, soft, and adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a delightful treat to share with family and friends.
I remember the first time I baked these cookies with my mom during a snowy afternoon, the kind that beckons for warm coffee and sweet snacks. The joy of rolling the dough into little balls and drenching them in powdered sugar is a memory I hold dear. Rainy or snowy days are perfect for this easy recipe, and I promise it will fill your home with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make and perfect for busy holiday baking days.
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.
- Family-friendly and great for kids to help in the kitchen.
- Endless decoration possibilities with fun sprinkles for a festive touch.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for a second helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- 1 box cake mix (yellow or vanilla)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended, creating a smooth and creamy dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes — this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar, creating a snowy, sweet coat.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to expand while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still soft in the center — they should have a slight indention when you touch them.
- Let cool slightly and decorate with colorful sprinkles before serving, making each cookie as festive as your heart desires!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Addition: For a rich twist, add a half cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before chilling. The gooey chocolate complements the creamy base perfectly!
- Peppermint Crunch: Stir in some crushed peppermint candies to the dough for a fresh holiday flavor — it’s delightful, especially during the festive season!
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the soft gooey texture, and a delightful earthy flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Citrus Zest: Brighten up your cookies by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing pop of flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Freezing Instructions: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place baked cookies in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a month.
- Flavor Boost: If you want to deepen the flavor, try browning your butter before mixing it into the dough for a nutty richness.
- Avoid Overbaking: The secret to a perfect gooey texture is to pull them out just as they set but are still soft in the center — they will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cake mix for a gluten-free option or use different flavored cake mixes like lemon or chocolate.
- How do I store leftovers? Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the freezer for longer storage.
- How long do they last? If stored properly, these cookies can last about 5-7 days at room temperature and up to a month in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies recipe is a heartfelt blend of nostalgia and indulgence, sure to warm your soul during the holiday season. With their soft, gooey center and sugary exterior, they are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Save this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, everyone!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy holiday treat that’s creamy, soft, and adorned with colorful sprinkles, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (yellow or vanilla)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended, creating a smooth and creamy dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still soft in the center.
- Let cool slightly and decorate with colorful sprinkles before serving.
Notes
These cookies freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday baking, gooey butter cookies, festive treats, family-friendly recipes