These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive sprinkles, they capture the spirit of the season perfectly. Easy to make, these cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges or just enjoying with family and friends. Their unique blend of cake mix and cream cheese makes them stand out from traditional cookies.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- For Rolling
- How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 3: Incorporate Cake Mix
- Step 4: Add Sprinkles
- Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Cool Down
- How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- Festive Hot Chocolate
- Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Cookie Platters
- Coffee or Tea
- Gift Wrapping
- How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other cake mixes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
- How do I make gluten-free Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
- How long will these cookies last?
- Can I customize the sprinkles used in the recipe?
- What is the best way to store leftover dough?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously Soft Texture: The cream cheese gives these cookies an unforgettable gooeyness that everyone will love.
- Festive Appearance: Colorful holiday sprinkles add a cheerful touch, making them great for any festive gathering.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or simply as a sweet treat at home.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will enjoy helping roll the dough in powdered sugar and adding sprinkles.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients smoothly.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheets: Ensure even baking and easy transfer of cookies from oven to cooling rack.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
For Rolling
- ½ cup powdered sugar
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. Cream cheese
2. Unsalted butter
3. Large egg
4. Vanilla extract
Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate Cake Mix
Stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delightful on their own but can also be paired with various accompaniments for a festive touch. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess complements the soft texture perfectly.
Festive Hot Chocolate
- Pair your cookies with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows for an indulgent treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- For a twist, sandwich your gooey butter cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors.
Cookie Platters
- Create a cookie platter by mixing these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with other holiday favorites, such as gingerbread and sugar cookies, to impress your guests.
Coffee or Tea
- Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors blend wonderfully, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.
Gift Wrapping
- Wrap these cookies in festive packaging as gifts for friends and family. They make delightful homemade treats that anyone would appreciate!
How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Perfecting your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cream cheese and eggs for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in sprinkles, mix just until combined to avoid bleeding colors into the dough.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; remove them when the edges are set, but the center remains soft.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within three days.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts like almond or peppermint to give your cookies a unique twist!
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
While Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some ideas.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a colorful touch to your dessert table.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that contrast beautifully with the sweet flavors of the cookies.
- Nut Mix: Provide a bowl of spiced or candied nuts for guests who enjoy something crunchy alongside their gooey treats.
- Mini Cupcakes: Add mini cupcakes in festive flavors like red velvet or chocolate; they pair well with the rich taste of gooey butter cookies.
- Yule Log Cake: This classic holiday dessert adds elegance and tradition to your table while complementing the cookie’s texture.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars offer nutty sweetness that pairs nicely with the buttery flavor of gooey butter cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or leftover cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an interactive treat.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider as a cozy drink option that enhances the festive mood when enjoying these cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect their texture and flavor. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold cream cheese: This can prevent your dough from becoming smooth. Always ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined, especially when folding in sprinkles.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading. Don’t skip this step!
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to ensure consistency.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cookies. Always preheat your oven correctly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for 30 seconds to warm it gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cake mixes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
You can definitely experiment with different flavors of cake mix! Chocolate or red velvet can add a unique twist.
How do I make gluten-free Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to enjoy these cookies without gluten.
How long will these cookies last?
When stored properly, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies last up to 3 days at room temperature or 3 months if frozen.
Can I customize the sprinkles used in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like, whether it’s themed ones or simply your favorite colors.
What is the best way to store leftover dough?
Wrap unused dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different sprinkles or even add chocolate chips for an extra treat. Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them!
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Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the magic of the season with these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Soft and melt-in-your-mouth, these delightful treats combine the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of yellow cake mix, creating a unique cookie experience that’s a must for your holiday baking. With vibrant sprinkles adorning each cookie, they not only taste heavenly but also add a festive flair to your dessert table. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying at home with family and friends, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress everyone!
Ingredients
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix to form a thick dough.
- Gently fold in holiday sprinkles.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
