Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive twist on a classic treat. These cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with holiday cheer, making them a perfect addition to your seasonal baking lineup. With their rich buttery flavor and a hint of powdered sugar, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. - Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in the yellow cake mix and salt until a soft dough forms. - Color the Dough (Optional)
If desired, divide the dough into two or more portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and green to another. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. - Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps firm up the dough for easier handling. - Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Shape and Roll the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar and, if desired, top with holiday sprinkles. - Bake
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. - Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter, or pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a festive treat.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Roll and bake when ready.
2. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try using a chocolate or red velvet cake mix for a different flavor variation.
3. Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is important as it makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional. The cookies will still taste delicious without it, though the colors add a festive touch.
Enjoy making these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies for a festive and delicious holiday season!
PrintChristmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive twist on the classic gooey butter cake, transformed into delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies adorned with holiday sprinkles. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles, divided
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the cake mix, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Gently fold in 1/4 cup of the holiday sprinkles.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Optionally, dip the tops of the dough balls into the remaining 1/4 cup of sprinkles for extra festive flair.
- Bake:
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly crinkled. The centers may look slightly undercooked; this ensures a gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy these festive treats!
Notes
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to add a unique flavor to your cookies.
- Sprinkle Options: Feel free to use any holiday-themed sprinkles to match the occasion.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.