Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday favorite in my house. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with buttery flavor, with a festive touch from colorful sprinkles. I love how easy they are to make, with just a few simple ingredients and no chilling time required. They’re the perfect treat for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Simple and Delicious: These cookies are incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, the flavors are amazing!
• Festive and Fun: The colorful sprinkles make these cookies perfect for the holiday season.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for bake sales, potlucks, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holidays.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Here’s what I use to make these delightful cookies:

• Cream Cheese: I use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• Yellow Cake Mix: This is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their unique texture and flavor.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch and a pop of color.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies and adding a touch of sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Different Flavors: Use different flavors of cake mix, like chocolate or spice cake.
• Chocolate Chips: Add some chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Chopped Nuts: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Different Sprinkles: Use different types of sprinkles, like nonpareils or sanding sugar.

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, I beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth. Then, I stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Add the Sprinkles

I gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

I scoop out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. Then, I place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks

• Chilling Time: Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center.
• Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack will help them to firm up.

How to Serve

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Milk and Cookies: A classic pairing!
• Coffee Break: These cookies are perfect for an afternoon coffee break or a sweet treat with your morning tea.
• Dessert: Serve them as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Storing: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like, such as chocolate or spice cake.

2. Can I add other ingredients to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even oats.

3. Can I make these cookies without sprinkles?
Yes, you can leave out the sprinkles or use a different type of decoration, like colored sugar or sanding sugar.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. I hope you enjoy them!

Print