Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich flavor. Made with cream cheese and cake mix, they have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. The addition of holiday sprinkles gives them a festive touch, making them perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, and homemade holiday gifts.

This recipe is quick and easy, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. The dough comes together in minutes, and after a short chilling period, these cookies bake up into sweet, buttery treats with a delightful powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to make.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

To ensure the best results, have the following tools ready:

• Electric Mixer – Helps create a smooth and fluffy dough by properly blending the cream cheese and butter.
• Mixing Bowls – A large bowl for mixing the dough and a smaller one for rolling the cookies in powdered sugar.
• Cookie Scoop – Ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps with even baking.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
• Baking Sheets – Ensures even heat distribution for perfect cookies.

Preparation Tips

• Use softened cream cheese and butter for a smooth, lump-free dough. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent excessive spreading while baking.
• Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles to avoid color bleeding into the dough.

Ingredients

• 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
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step ensures an even consistency for the dough.

3. Add the cake mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix, stirring until a thick dough forms. The batter will be sticky, but this is normal.

4. Fold in the sprinkles

Gently stir in the holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding into the dough.

5. Chill the dough

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

6. Roll in powdered sugar

Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls and roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step gives the cookies their signature crackled appearance.

7. Arrange on baking sheets

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

8. Bake the cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain their gooey texture.

9. Cool and serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy.

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later. Their buttery, tender texture and festive appearance make them a wonderful addition to any holiday celebration.

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive treat that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Their soft, chewy texture and powdered sugar coating make them a perfect addition to holiday gatherings, dessert platters, and gift boxes.

Best Ways to Enjoy These Cookies

• Serve them warm with a glass of milk for a comforting holiday snack.
• Arrange them on a Christmas dessert tray with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark.
• Pair them with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
• Wrap them in decorative tins or bags for homemade holiday gifts.
• Add them to a holiday cookie exchange to share with friends and family.

These cookies are rich and buttery on their own, but they also pair well with other holiday desserts and drinks.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them and get perfect cookies every time.

1. Not Softening the Cream Cheese and Butter

• The issue: If the butter and cream cheese are too cold, they won’t mix smoothly, leading to lumps in the dough.
• How to fix it: Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.

2. Overmixing the Dough

• The issue: Overmixing can make the cookies dense and cause the sprinkles to bleed their color.
• How to fix it: Mix until the ingredients are just combined and gently fold in the sprinkles.

3. Skipping the Chilling Step

• The issue: Without chilling, the dough will be too sticky and the cookies may spread too much.
• How to fix it: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

4. Not Coating the Dough Balls Properly in Powdered Sugar

• The issue: Without enough powdered sugar, the cookies won’t have the classic crinkle effect.
• How to fix it: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking.

5. Overbaking the Cookies

• The issue: Overbaking makes the cookies dry instead of soft and gooey.
• How to fix it: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft, about 10-12 minutes.

Best Side Dishes and Drinks to Pair with These Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies pair well with a variety of side dishes and drinks that enhance their festive flavors. Here are eight great options to serve alongside them.

1. Hot Chocolate

A cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate complements the buttery texture of these cookies. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for extra holiday flavor.

2. Eggnog

This classic holiday drink pairs well with the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the cookies. The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog enhances the flavor.

3. Peppermint Mocha

For a more festive coffee pairing, serve these cookies with a peppermint mocha. The cool peppermint and chocolate flavors contrast beautifully with the buttery cookies.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

For a dessert twist, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm and soft texture of the cookies balances the cool, creamy ice cream.

5. Spiced Apple Cider

A warm mug of spiced apple cider adds a fruity and slightly tart contrast to the sweet cookies. The cinnamon and nutmeg in the cider bring out the holiday flavors.

6. Cranberry Compote

A spoonful of cranberry compote alongside the cookies provides a tangy and slightly tart balance to the richness of the butter and cream cheese.

7. Cinnamon Latte

For coffee lovers, a cinnamon latte is an excellent pairing. The warm spices in the latte enhance the buttery, sweet flavors of the cookies.

8. Mulled Wine

For an adult-friendly pairing, mulled wine with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus adds depth to the overall holiday flavor experience.

How to Make These Cookies Even Better

• Experiment with different cake mix flavors. Try red velvet, chocolate, or funfetti for a unique variation.
• Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Use festive food coloring to tint the dough for a more vibrant holiday look.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for an extra-snowy effect.

How to Store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep these cookies fresh and maintain their soft, chewy texture, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to store them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.

Room Temperature Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to avoid melting the powdered sugar coating.

Refrigerator Storage

• For longer freshness, store cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Let the cookies cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours to prevent sticking.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Freezing Cookie Dough

• Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, roll in powdered sugar and bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Tips for the Best Cookies

Even with a simple recipe, small adjustments can make a big difference in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

1. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese

• Full-fat cream cheese gives the cookies their rich, gooey texture. Avoid reduced-fat or whipped versions, as they may affect consistency.

2. Chill the Dough for Easier Handling

• The dough is sticky due to the cream cheese and butter. Chilling for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to roll into balls and prevents excess spreading during baking.

3. Don’t Overbake

• The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

4. Coat Generously with Powdered Sugar

• Rolling the dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar ensures the classic crinkle effect. If the sugar is too light, the effect may not be as visible after baking.

5. Try Different Mix-Ins

• Enhance the flavor by adding:
  • White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast
  • Crushed peppermint candies for a holiday twist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?

Yes. While yellow cake mix is traditional, other flavors like red velvet, chocolate, funfetti, or spice cake work well for variety.

2. Do I Have to Chill the Dough?

Yes, chilling is important for easier handling and better texture. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much while baking.

3. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free cake mix for the regular cake mix. Check the ingredient label to ensure no cross-contamination if needed.

4. Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute. However, the cookies may turn out slightly softer.

5. Why Didn’t My Cookies Crackle on Top?

The crackle effect comes from the powdered sugar coating. If the coating was too light, the effect may not be as pronounced. Make sure to roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking.

6. Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls and baking.

7. What’s the Best Way to Reheat These Cookies?

To restore their soft texture, warm the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

8. Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch. Be sure to chill the dough and bake in batches for even results.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are an easy and festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. With their soft texture, buttery flavor, and festive sprinkles, they’re a favorite for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, and homemade gifts. By following these tips and storage methods, you can enjoy these cookies fresh and delicious every time.

Whether baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this simple recipe guarantees sweet holiday memories with every bite.