Christmas 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
Scale
- 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:Â You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to add a unique flavor to your cookies.
- Sprinkle Options:Â Feel free to use any holiday-themed sprinkles to match the occasion.
- Storage:Â Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:Â 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.