These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, sweet, and covered in powdered sugar. They’re like little bites of holiday magic, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Honestly, who can resist a cookie that tastes like a festive hug? I love watching them disappear at parties—it’s like magic, but with sprinkles! 🎉
These cookies are so easy to whip up. Just mix, scoop, and bake! I like to enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa while cozying up by the fire. Perfect winter treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is key for the gooey texture. I always use full-fat cream cheese for the richest taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, but it may be less creamy.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, it’s okay! Just reduce any added salt in your recipe.
Yellow Cake Mix: The base for these cookies is a yellow cake mix, giving them a sweet flavor. If you want to make them from scratch, you can use a basic vanilla or sponge cake recipe. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free cake mix alternatives.
Holiday Sprinkles: I love using festive red and green sprinkles for the holidays! If you don’t have those, any colorful sprinkles will do, or even some chocolate chips for a fun twist.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Texture for These Cookies?
Getting that gooey texture just right can be tricky but totally doable! The key is not to overmix once you add the egg and cake mix. Mix just until combined. Too much mixing can lead to denser cookies.
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; these cookies will firm up as they cool, keeping that perfect gooey center.
- Keep an eye on baking time. They should look slightly underbaked in the middle when you pull them out.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
What You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes of baking time, so in just under half an hour, you can have these delightful cookies ready to enjoy! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing during the holiday season—who could resist that gooey goodness?
Instructions:
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your cookies have a nice non-stick surface to land on.
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This is where the magic starts!
Next, add in the yellow cake mix, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the dough comes together—it’s going to be soft and a little sticky, which is exactly what we want for that delicious gooey texture!
Here comes the fun part: gently fold in those festive holiday sprinkles. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding a splash of color and joy to each cookie!
Using a cookie scoop or just a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into little balls with your hands. After that, roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly—this not only adds sweetness but gives them that iconic gooey butter cookie look!
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. They’re going to spread a bit while they bake, so you want to give them room to breathe!
Now, it’s time for the oven! Bake these beauties for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. They might seem a bit underbaked, but trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all while they’re still warm—though I won’t blame you if you do!
And there you have it! Enjoy your festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with a nice glass of milk or punch. They’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with Something Else?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has a similar texture and flavor. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the taste and texture of the cookies.
What if I Don’t Have Yellow Cake Mix?
No problem! You can make your own cake mix by combining 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. This homemade mix will work just fine in the recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your gooey butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. If you decide to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit. Just make sure the total amount of mix-ins doesn’t exceed a half-cup to maintain the right dough consistency.
