As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a joyful workshop filled with the scents of baking delights. One recipe that has become a cherished tradition in our home is my Festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies are both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly fun, thanks to their versatile nature—whether you’re swapping in seasonal sprinkles or experimenting with different cake mixes to suit your taste. Each bite offers a soft, chewy texture that just melts in your mouth, making them a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Plus, they are perfect for kids to help make, turning the kitchen into a festive family affair! Ready to add some cheer to your holiday baking? Let’s get started on these deliciously gooey cookies!
Why Are These Cookies So Special?
Festive Flavors: These Gooey Butter Cookies bring holiday cheer with their soft, chewy texture and rich taste, perfect for any festive occasion.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, you’ll whip up a batch in no time—ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Customizable Options: Tailor them to your taste by substituting cake mixes or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed peppermint.
Family Fun: Perfect for kids to help make, turning cookie-baking into a fun family tradition!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress at cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings, leaving everyone craving more.
Don’t forget to check out my other holiday favorites like Chocolate Chips Cookies for even more festive inspiration!
Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Full-fat Cream Cheese – Adds softness and moisture to cookies; substitute with reduced-fat cream cheese, but avoid fat-free for best results.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and aids in the cookie’s texture; feel free to use salted butter, adjusting any added salt accordingly.
• Large Egg – Acts as a binder to maintain cookie structure; can be replaced with unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor depth; for a festive twist, try substituting with almond or peppermint extract.
• Yellow Cake Mix – Serves as the base for sweetness and structure; if desired, swap with vanilla or white cake mix for a different flavor.
For the Fun Finish
• Holiday Sprinkles – Adds festive color and fun texture; consider omitting for a classic cookie or substituting with mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra flair.
• Powdered Sugar – Coating before baking provides a sweet, powdered finish; alternative colored sanding sugar can be used for a charming touch.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy clean-up and prevent the cookies from sticking. The parchment will also help the cookies bake evenly, leading to perfectly gooey centers and slightly crisp edges.
Step 2: Cream the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until all the ingredients are well-combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the yellow cake mix to your creamy base, mixing on low speed until a thick dough forms. Be mindful to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. The dough will become sticky, which is exactly what you want for your gooey butter cookies!
Step 4: Fold in Festive Sprinkles
Gently fold in your holiday sprinkles using a spatula, mixing just until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds a delightful festive touch to your Gooey Butter Cookies, making them not only tasty but visually appealing too. Set the dough aside to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Scoop and Roll the Dough
After chilling, scoop out your dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, forming 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated, creating a sweet, snowy finish. The sugar will give your cookies an inviting look and a delicious sweet crunch once baked.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread while baking. Make sure to keep them spaced evenly to avoid any touching during their transformation into gooey delights!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the centers remain slightly soft and gooey. The contrast of textures will be one of the highlights of your Gooey Butter Cookies once they are done!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before indulging in these delightful holiday treats, ensuring you soak in the ooey-gooey goodness!
Gooey Butter Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Gooey Butter Cookies and make them truly yours with these fun tweaks!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs while maintaining delightfully chewy cookies.
Many brands offer delicious gluten-free options that will still keep that gooey texture everyone loves. -
Chocolate Lovers: Swap in a chocolate cake mix for a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist.
Alternatively, add chocolate chips to the dough for a double chocolate treat! -
Minty Fresh: Add crushed peppermint candies to the dough or sprinkle some on top for a festive, minty flair.
This variation brings a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with warm cocoa. -
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch that complements the gooey center.
The texture and flavor contrast can elevate your cookies to a new level! -
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright, zesty pop that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
This twist offers a refreshing flavor and is a lovely complement for holiday parties. -
Holiday Spirit: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for exciting new flavor profiles, or swap in seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
These warm spices can evoke cozy feelings and celebrate the holiday season. -
Decadent Drizzle: Try drizzling melted chocolate or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for that extra special touch.
It not only adds flavor but an eye-catching finish that’s sure to impress guests. -
Colorful Creations: Use gel food coloring to tint half the dough for visually stunning cookies, perfect for festive celebrations.
Kids will love getting involved in this creative process, making your baking a bonding experience.
For even more delightful treats, check out my Peanut Butter Crackers, or whip up some Millies Cookies Bake for a festive cookie swap!
Expert Tips for Gooey Butter Cookies
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Choose Cream Cheese Wisely: Use block-style, full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Reduced-fat works, but avoid fat-free for optimal gooeyness.
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Consistent Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop to maintain uniform sizes, ensuring even baking and that all cookies have that delightful gooey center.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It makes handling easier and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Watch for Doneness: The edges should be set while the center remains gooey. If you overbake, you’ll lose that cherished texture that makes these cookies special!
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Customize Wisely: Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes and mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candies—just keep an eye on the sugar quantity!
Make Ahead Options
These Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for those busy holiday weeks, allowing you to enjoy delectable treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming overly sticky. For an even longer option, rolled cookie balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking—just roll them in powdered sugar right before placing them on the baking sheet. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply bake them straight from the refrigerator, adding a minute or two to the baking time for optimum gooeyness. With these prep steps, your holiday baking will be stress-free and filled with delightful flavors!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Elevate your holiday gatherings by pairing these scrumptious cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their gooey goodness.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: Perfectly complements the sweet, creamy texture of the cookies, creating a warm and indulgent treat for cozy evenings.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the cookies’ sweetness, transforming dessert into a delightful sundae experience.
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Peppermint Mocha Coffee: The festive flavors of peppermint and mocha add a holiday twist that pairs beautifully with these soft cookies.
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Eggnog: This classic seasonal drink, with its rich, spiced flavor, brings warmth and nostalgia to each bite of gooey goodness.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of tart berries and citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the cookies, keeping your dessert table vibrant and balanced.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Indulge your guests with these sweet berry bites; they add a touch of elegance and decadence alongside the cookies.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream enhances the cookie experience, making each bite even more heavenly delicious.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider invites the comforting flavors of the season, perfectly offsetting the cookies’ rich sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze Gooey Butter Cookies
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Room Temperature: Keep gooey butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the freshest taste and texture. Avoid exposure to moisture for best results.
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Fridge: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just allow them to come back to room temperature before serving.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag after they are solid. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
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Reheating: Thaw frozen gooey butter cookies at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying, restoring their delightful softness.
Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
When it comes to the cream cheese and butter, I always recommend using full-fat versions for the best texture and richness. You want your cream cheese to be block-style (not spreadable), which provides that desired gooeyness. For the butter, ensure your unsalted butter is fresh—check for any unusual smells or discoloration before using.
How should I store my Gooey Butter Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just ensure they stay away from any moisture to maintain their delightful texture. If you’ve got leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can place them in the fridge for up to 5 days; just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing these cookies is a great option if you want to save some for later. Here’s how: First, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, which usually takes about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, stacking them carefully. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What do I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it might be a sign that the dough hasn’t been chilled enough before baking, or they were placed too close together on the baking sheet. To prevent this: ensure that you chill the dough as instructed, and if you see that the cookies have spread out too much, consider chilling your dough for a bit longer before re-baking the remaining mixture. Keeping cookie sizes uniform with a scoop also really helps!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! If someone has dietary restrictions, you can substitute the large egg with unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Additionally, for anyone avoiding dairy, ensure to use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes. Always double-check the labels for allergens—especially if you’re adding mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips, which can often contain gluten or other allergens.
Can I customize the flavors of Gooey Butter Cookies?
Very much so! These cookies are incredibly versatile. Swap out the yellow cake mix for vanilla or chocolate for a different twist. You can add mix-ins like crushed peppermint for a seasonal vibe, mini chocolate chips for a rich touch, or even seasonal M&Ms for that extra festive flair. Personalizing every batch can turn them into a delightful surprise for your family and friends!
Gooey Butter Cookies: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well-combined and fluffy.
- Gradually add the yellow cake mix, mixing on low speed until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and gooey.
- Allow cookies to cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
