Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy during the holiday season. They are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet flavors. The addition of holiday sprinkles adds a festive touch, making them perfect for any Christmas gathering. Whether you are baking for family, friends, or sharing at a holiday party, these cookies will surely impress everyone. They are simple to make, and their gooey texture will have everyone reaching for more.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is not only easy but also fun to make. You will love how quickly the cookies come together. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that taste amazing. The cream cheese and butter make them soft and gooey, while the yellow cake mix fills them with a rich flavor. Plus, the colorful holiday sprinkles make each cookie look festive and welcoming. They are the perfect sweet treat for cookie exchanges or holiday tables.
HOW TO MAKE Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. With a little preparation, you will have delicious cookies in no time. Gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to create your own batch at home.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make these cookies, you will need the following equipment:
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix so the color of the sprinkles doesn’t bleed into the dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Scoop out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
HOW TO SERVE Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh and warm from the oven. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can serve them on a festive plate or in a cookie jar for a cozy look. For an extra special treat, consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
If you have leftover cookies, you can store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Here are some ideas for enjoying Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:
- Serve them as part of a holiday cookie platter with other festive cookies.
- Pack them in gift boxes with a ribbon for a nice holiday gift.
- Use them as a dessert at holiday gatherings.
- Enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
VARIATIONS
You can get creative with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Here are some fun variations:
- Substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for rich chocolate cookies.
- Add in peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a minty flavor.
- Use different types of sprinkles to suit your celebration theme.
- Mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- It is best to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Low-fat options may not provide the same gooeyness.
- What can I use instead of butter?
- You can use margarine as a substitute, but be aware that it might change the flavor slightly.
- How do I know when the cookies are done?
- The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up while cooling.
- Can I use a cake mix other than yellow?
- Yes! You can use any flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate or red velvet, for different tastes.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
If you want to plan ahead, you can make the cookie dough in advance. Chill the dough and then scoop it into balls. You can freeze the balls for later baking. When you are ready to bake, simply take them out and let them thaw for a few minutes. Then roll them in powdered sugar and bake as directed. This way, you will have fresh cookies ready whenever you need them!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.