As the holiday season rolls in, the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air, casting a spell of warmth and cheer. I still remember the delight of discovering these Easy Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies during one of my holiday baking marathons. They’re a magical blend of soft, chewy texture and a lavishly sweet gooey center, reminiscent of the cake-like treats we often indulge in at festive gatherings.
Using a simple cake mix as a base, these cookies come together in a flash, making them perfect for those of us juggling holiday preparations. With just a handful of ingredients, including cream cheese and festive sprinkles, you’ll be whipping up sweet treats that are not only delicious but also adaptable for any celebration. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this effortless holiday delight that promises to be the star of any dessert table!
Why are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies irresistible?
Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly satisfying, delivering a sweet, gooey surprise with each bite.
Quick and easy: Using a cake mix simplifies the process, making these cookies accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Festive versatility: With a variety of sprinkles, you can customize them for any holiday or occasion, adding personal flair.
Crowd-pleaser: Their charming appearance and delightful flavor make them a hit at parties, ensuring they disappear in no time.
Perfect pairing: Enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday treat that brings everyone together!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine for dairy-free options.
• Cream Cheese – Provides a creamy texture and distinctive tang; mascarpone can be used for a similar result.
• Egg – Acts as a binder in the cookie dough; consider a commercial egg replacer for vegan variation.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavors; pure vanilla is best, but almond extract offers a fun twist.
• White Cake Mix – This is the key dry ingredient providing sweetness; a gluten-free cake mix makes a great alternative.
For the Fun Factor
• Sprinkles – Adds festive color and texture; holiday-themed sprinkles create seasonal charm, or use colored sugar as a versatile alternative.
• Confectioner’s Sugar – Covers cookie balls for sweetness and visual appeal; granulated sugar can replace it for rolling.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Cream Together
Begin by softening the unsalted butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Cream them together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, achieving a light and fluffy consistency. -
Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on low speed until just combined, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully without overmixing. -
Mix in Cake Mix
Gradually add the white cake mix to the batter. Stir until fully blended, paying attention to prevent any lumps, and then gently fold in ¼ cup of sprinkles for that festive touch. -
Chill the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, refrigerate it for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it helps firm the dough, preventing excessive spreading during baking. -
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, preparing for those delightful cookies to come. -
Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop rounded portions of chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Make sure they’re uniform for even baking. -
Coat the Dough
Roll each ball in the remaining sprinkles before coating them generously with confectioner’s sugar. This creates that irresistible sweetness and pretty appearance. -
Bake the Cookies
Place the sprinkled and sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain gooey. -
Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely while savoring the heavenly aroma.
Optional: Dust with a touch more confectioner’s sugar before serving for a delightful finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least one hour is essential for a thicker, gooier cookie that doesn’t spread too much while baking.
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Underbake for Softness: Slightly underbaking your cookies ensures a soft center. Bake until the edges are just set, then let them firm up on the baking sheet.
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Mix Sprinkles Creatively: Don’t hesitate to customize your cookies with different sprinkles for various occasions. The vibrant colors make your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies even more festive!
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Measure Cake Mix Correctly: Be sure to spoon the cake mix into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing the mix can lead to denser cookies than intended.
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Serve Warm: Enjoy your cookies warm from the oven or reheat briefly before serving—the gooey center is amplified when they’re freshly baked!
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Storage Tips: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness for up to a week, or freeze for longer enjoyment without compromising their gooeyness.
Storage Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This preserves their soft and gooey texture while keeping them fresh.
Fridge: If you’re looking to prolong their life, place cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To revive the gooeyness, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This enhances the delightful center of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, making them feel freshly baked!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies in ways that will surprise and delight your family and friends!
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Chocolate Chip: Substitute sprinkles with mini chocolate chips for a luscious, chocolatey twist. These cookies get an extra layer of decadence that’ll please any chocoholic.
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Peppermint Delight: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty flavor, perfect for the holidays. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat!
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the dough to brighten the flavor profile. The citrus notes add a refreshing take on this classic cookie, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. The nutty texture brings a delightful contrast to the gooey cookie experience.
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Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor upgrade. These cookies will remind you of cozy fall evenings and everything nice about holiday baking.
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Caramel Swirl: Add a spoonful of caramel sauce into each cookie ball before baking. This indulgent touch creates a gooey center of caramel goodness that elevates the cookies to another level.
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Nutella Filling: Create a surprise by filling each cookie ball with a teaspoon of Nutella. The melted chocolate hazelnut filling adds an irresistible richness to every bite.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration—think red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter to make these cookies festive all year long!
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
As the sweet aroma of these delightful cookies wafts through your home, it’s time to think about what else will make your holiday gathering unforgettable.
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Glass of Milk: A classic pairing! The richness of milk complements the sweet, gooey texture of the cookies perfectly, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
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Hot Cocoa: This indulgent drink adds another layer of warmth, featuring rich chocolatey notes that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sugary flavors, offering a delightful pick-me-up during those festive gatherings with loved ones.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the warm cookies, allowing the gooey center to shine even more.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries provides a bright, refreshing note that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
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Cheesecake Bars: The rich creaminess of cheesecake bars echoes the creamy texture of the cookies, making it a match made in dessert heaven.
Elevate your holiday treats and create a luscious dessert table that your friends and family will remember fondly!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy more time with family during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients, rolling them into balls, and chilling them in the refrigerator. To maintain their delightful texture, keep the cookie dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the balls in sprinkles and confectioner’s sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Just think, fresh cookies with minimal effort!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cake mix should I use for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
For the best results, a white cake mix is recommended as it provides the perfect sweetness and structure for these cookies. However, you can also experiment with flavored cake mixes like chocolate or lemon for a delightful twist!
How long can I store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
You can keep your cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 7 days. If you want to extend their life, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen. Transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their gooeyness.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can add a little bit more cake mix—about a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a manageable consistency. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour to help it firm up and prevent spreading during baking.
Are there any allergenic ingredients in the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, this recipe contains gluten (from the cake mix) and dairy (from the butter and cream cheese). For a gluten-free version, swap out the cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use margarine instead of butter and substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Can I use a vegan substitute for the egg in the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Finding an alternative for eggs in this recipe is a bit tricky, but you can use a commercial egg replacer or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as substitutes. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture but still produce delicious results!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until just combined.
- Gradually add the white cake mix, stirring until fully blended before folding in 1/4 cup of sprinkles.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop rounded portions of chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in remaining sprinkles and coat generously with confectioner’s sugar.
- Bake on prepared sheets for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and centers are gooey.
- Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.