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
Scale
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.
