Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of rich cream cheese and soft cake mix, making them an irresistible treat during the holiday season. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and colorful sprinkles make them ideal for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, these cookies will surely become a holiday staple in your baking repertoire.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• For Coating
• How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Incorporate Sprinkles
• Step 5: Chill the Dough
• Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
• Step 7: Bake the Cookies
• Step 8: Cool Down
• How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• With Hot Beverages
• At Holiday Gatherings
• For Kids’ Parties
• 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
• What makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies different?
• Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
• How do I know when my cookies are done?
• How long do these cookies last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Irresistibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese gives these cookies their signature gooeyness, making each bite heavenly.
• Festive Appearance: The addition of colorful holiday sprinkles makes these cookies visually appealing and perfect for celebrations.
• Versatile Flavor: While great for Christmas, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round by simply changing the sprinkles or using different cake mix flavors.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, ensure you have all the necessary tools ready. This will streamline the process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Essential for achieving a smooth batter quickly, it saves time and effort compared to mixing by hand.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture while baking.

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 Coating

• ½ cup powdered sugar

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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. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
2. ½ cup unsalted butter
3. 1 large egg
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in:
1. 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix

Mix until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Incorporate Sprinkles

Gently fold in:
* ½ cup holiday sprinkles

Be careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding from the sprinkles.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm it up and makes it easier to handle when forming cookie balls.

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop the chilled dough into balls measuring about 1½ inches in diameter. Roll each ball in:
* ½ cup powdered sugar

Make sure each ball is fully coated in sugar for that delightful finish.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on your 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. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging at home, these cookies bring joy to any occasion.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – The rich flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of these cookies.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy with a warm cup of hot chocolate for an extra cozy experience.
• Tea – A light herbal tea can balance the sweetness and add a refreshing touch.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Dessert Table – Place these cookies on your dessert table for a festive vibe and colorful display.
• Cookie Exchange – Share them at cookie exchanges, making your contribution memorable and unique.
• Gift Boxes – Package them beautifully in gift boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.

For Kids’ Parties

• Decorate with Sprinkles – Let kids decorate their own cookies with extra sprinkles for added fun.
• Cookie Decorating Station – Set up a decorating station where kids can unleash their creativity with frosting and toppings.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful.

• Chill the Dough – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh cream cheese and butter for optimal flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Gently fold the sprinkles into the dough to maintain their color and texture.
• Watch Baking Time – Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them from the oven while they’re still soft will keep them gooey.
• Store Properly – Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

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Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies can enhance the overall experience. Here are some delightful options that complement these sweet treats.

1. Eggnog – A classic holiday drink that adds creaminess and spice to your cookie enjoyment.
2. Fruit Platter – Fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Board – A selection of cheeses balances out the sweetness and offers varied flavors.
4. Spiced Nuts – Crunchy, spiced nuts add texture and warmth alongside your gooey cookies.
5. Whipped Cream Dip – A light whipped cream dip can make for a fun, interactive dessert experience.
6. Chocolate Fondue – Dipping pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue is an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get it right.

• Not Soften Ingredients: Failing to soften the cream cheese and butter can lead to a lumpy dough. Always allow them to warm up at room temperature for a smoother texture.
• Skipping Chilling Time: If you skip chilling the dough, it may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can cause the colors from the sprinkles to bleed into the cookies. Gently fold them in just until combined.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be set around the edges but soft in the center.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Skipping parchment paper can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Use an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies different?

These cookies have a rich, gooey texture thanks to cream cheese, making them unique compared to typical cookie recipes.

Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

Yes! You can add different types of sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to personalize your cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set while the centers remain slightly soft; this indicates they are perfectly baked.

How long do these cookies last?

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily modify them with various mix-ins or toppings. Try making them for your holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges—they’re sure to impress!