If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines rich cream cheese goodness with the nostalgic flavor of vanilla cake, this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new holiday obsession. These cookies boast a soft, buttery center that melts in your mouth, adorned with colorful sprinkles that scream celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and that perfect gooey texture that makes holiday baking unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, staple ingredients make this recipe not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect gooey texture and festive flavor that sets these cookies apart from your usual holiday bake.
- Vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz): The base that provides softness and sweetness, ensuring a tender crumb every time.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds rich creaminess and that signature gooey texture loved in these cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings buttery depth and helps keep the cookies moist.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold all ingredients together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a lovely nutty complexity, perfect for the holidays.
- Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar: For rolling the dough, adding festive color and a fun crunch.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Used to coat the cookies for a snowy, sweet finish.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and creamy. This careful mixing ensures no lumps and creates the luscious, gooey base that defines these cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. These little flavor boosters perfectly complement the cake mix and cream cheese, taking the cookies from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the vanilla cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick and sticky dough forms. Be patient—this dough is meant to be a little tacky, which results in that wonderfully soft texture once baked.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it much easier to handle and shape into perfect balls later on.
Step 5: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball first in your festive red and green sprinkles, then roll in powdered sugar for that classic frosted look and a touch of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your rolled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. That’s the sign that beautifully gooey center you’ll love.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest time helps them set just enough while keeping the gooey magic inside.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For the ultimate holiday charm, sprinkle a little extra sanding sugar or crushed peppermint on top just after baking, while the cookies are still warm. This adds sparkle, a hint of minty freshness, and a festive crunch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced eggnog or a mug of rich hot chocolate. The richness of the cookies paired with a creamy or spiced drink creates an indulgent and perfectly balanced holiday pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies on a decorated holiday platter or stack them in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting. You can also create a cookie platter with assorted holiday cookies and let these gooey gems be the star that steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their tender, gooey texture without drying them out. For best taste, avoid refrigerating as it can firm up the gooey center.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container once solid. Freeze for up to 2 months. For raw dough, shape and roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a bag for easy baking later.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked taste, warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This softens the center and brings back their irresistible gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! While vanilla cake mix provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with yellow, almond, or even funfetti cake mixes. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly, but the gooey texture remains just as delicious.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended to make it easier to handle and roll into balls. It also helps the cookies bake evenly. If you’re in a hurry, chilling for at least 30 minutes can still yield good results.
Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes, the almond extract is optional but it adds an extra warm, nutty dimension to the cookies. If you skip it, the vanilla flavor will shine through beautifully on its own.
How do I make the cookies extra festive?
Roll your dough balls in colored sanding sugar or crushed holiday candies for added sparkle and flavor. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate or festive icing on top after baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses a traditional cake mix which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and confirm that other ingredients like sprinkles and powdered sugar are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe was made to bring a little extra joy to your holiday baking table. With their soft centers, delicate sweetness, and festive sparkle, they are guaranteed to become a cherished tradition. So grab your mixing bowl, invite some friends or family to join, and enjoy the magic of holiday baking in every gooey bite!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive and delicious holiday treat featuring a soft, buttery texture made from a vanilla cake mix and cream cheese. Rolled in colorful sprinkles and powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations and easy enough for any level of baker.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Coating:
- Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar for rolling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing well until combined. Gradually incorporate the vanilla cake mix and mix thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and coat the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll each into balls. First, roll each ball in red and green sprinkles or colored sanding sugar, then roll them in powdered sugar to coat evenly and add festive sweetness.
- Arrange and bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but centres remain soft and gooey.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while maintaining their signature gooey texture.
Notes
- For additional holiday flavor, substitute almond extract with peppermint extract.
- Try rolling the dough in colored sanding sugar instead of sprinkles for a different texture and appearance.
