Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining rich cream cheese, butter, and festive sprinkles for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. These easy-to-make cookies bring a sweet and colorful touch to any holiday celebration.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix
• 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles, plus more for rolling
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
2. Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating just until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the white cake mix, mixing until the dough is uniform and smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in half of the holiday sprinkles to distribute color throughout the dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight to firm it up.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in the remaining sprinkles, then in the confectioner’s sugar for a snowy finish.
7. Step 7: Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, taking care not to overbake to keep the gooey texture.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract.
• Use different colored or shaped sprinkles to match other holiday themes.
• Ensure both butter and cream cheese are fully softened to avoid lumps in the dough.
• Chilling the dough is important to make shaping easier and prevent spreading during baking.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, but white cake mix works best to keep the delicate flavor and color, allowing the sprinkles and buttercream texture to shine.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies maintain their gooey texture without spreading too much while baking.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 103 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies combine a rich, creamy texture with festive sprinkles for a delightful holiday treat. Made with cream cheese, butter, and a white cake mix, these soft, gooey cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for celebrations or gifting during the festive season.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix

Decoration Ingredients

• 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles, divided
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar

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Instructions

1. Combine the Basics: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fully blended. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat just until fully incorporated to form a creamy mixture.
2. Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually add the white cake mix to the creamy base, beating continuously until the dough is fully blended and homogeneous.
3. Add a Festive Touch: Stir in half of the holiday sprinkles into the dough to distribute them evenly. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight to firm up for easy handling.
4. Shape and Decorate: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in the remaining sprinkles, then in the confectioner’s sugar to create a festive, snowy coating.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing from the oven to help them set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Do not overbake to maintain the gooey, buttery texture typical of these cookies.
• For firmer cookies, chill the dough overnight before baking.
• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoother mixing.
• Sprinkles can be adapted to fit any holiday or occasion.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, cream cheese cookies, easy holiday dessert