There’s something about the holidays that makes us crave gooey, buttery treats that melt in your mouth—and these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies deliver exactly that. Picture this: a soft, chewy cookie with a sweet, rich center that practically begs to be eaten with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Best of all? You can make them easily with a simple cake mix and a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will have you feeling like a holiday cookie pro in no time. Let’s dive in and make your holidays a little sweeter, one ooey-gooey cookie at a time.
Ingredients and Kitchen Prep for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Essential Ingredients for Gooey Butter Cookies
Before we get our hands sticky, let’s gather what we need. This recipe keeps it simple with common ingredients that most kitchens already have. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Any brand works, but choose your favorite |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Softened to room temperature |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Melted, unsalted |
| Eggs | 2 large | Lightly beaten |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups | Divided: 1 cup for dough, 3 cups for coating |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and aroma |
You can also sprinkle festive decorations like colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles to make your cookies extra merry.
Prep Your Kitchen for Smooth Baking
To make baking a breeze, prep your kitchen first. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, grab a medium mixing bowl, and have a hand mixer handy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A little prep goes a long way to avoid kitchen chaos and ensures your gooey butter cookies come out perfectly every time.
Substitutions and Variations for Busy Bakers
Not everyone has the exact ingredients on hand, so here are a few helpful swaps:
- Butter alternative: Use ghee or vegetable oil for a dairy-friendly option.
- Cake mix variations: Chocolate cake mix works for a festive twist.
- Extra flavor: Add 1/2 tsp of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a warm holiday flavor.
These simple tweaks let you customize your cookies while keeping the gooey center that makes them irresistible.
Tips for a Gooey Texture Every Time
The secret to perfect Christmas gooey butter cookies is balancing the dough’s sweetness with the right moisture level. Keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix your cream cheese; you want a light, airy texture.
- Coat the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to create that signature snowy look.
- Slightly underbake for soft, gooey centers—cookies will firm up as they cool.
With these prep tips and ingredient choices, your cookie-making experience will be smooth, fun, and deliciously rewarding.
Mixing, Shaping, and Baking Your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step-by-Step Mixing for Perfect Cookie Dough
Now that your ingredients are ready and your kitchen is prepped, it’s time to mix. Start by beating the softened cream cheese and melted butter together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix gently but thoroughly.
Next, gradually add the cake mix and 1 cup of powdered sugar, blending until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry if it seems a bit messy—that’s part of the charm! Using a hand mixer helps, but a sturdy wooden spoon works perfectly too. The key is to maintain that luscious, gooey texture that will melt in your mouth after baking.
Shaping Your Cookies for the Holidays
Here comes the fun part: rolling the dough into balls. Aim for roughly 1-inch dough balls so they bake evenly. Once rolled, generously coat each ball in the remaining powdered sugar. This not only adds sweetness but creates the classic snowy look that makes these cookies so festive.
Pro Tip: Lightly flour your hands if the dough sticks too much. And remember, spacing is important—place your cookies about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. They spread slightly while baking, so give them some breathing room.
Baking Tips for Soft, Gooey Centers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes. Watch closely—the edges should be set but the centers still soft. Underbaking slightly ensures that signature ooey-gooey texture.
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough to handle without losing that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Decorating Ideas for Festive Flair
While these cookies are perfect on their own, a little festive touch can make them extra special:
- Colored sugar: Sprinkle red, green, or gold sugar for holiday cheer.
- Mini chocolate chips: Press a few into the center before baking for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Icing drizzle: Lightly drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze for a snowy effect.
These small touches turn simple cookies into a centerpiece-worthy treat that family and friends will adore.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have their pitfalls. Keep these in mind for cookie perfection:
- Overmixing dough: Can make cookies dense rather than soft.
- Too much flour: Use the exact cake mix measurement; extra flour dries the cookies.
- Baking too long: Overbaked cookies lose their gooey center—remove when edges are set, centers slightly soft.
Following these steps guarantees Christmas gooey butter cookies that are tender, sweet, and wonderfully festive.
Storing, Freezing, and Sharing Your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
How to Store Cookies for Maximum Freshness
After baking, you’ll want your cookies to stay soft, gooey, and delicious for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Pro Tip: Place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies—it helps maintain moisture and keeps them soft longer.
Freezing Gooey Butter Cookies for Later
Want to bake ahead of time? Christmas gooey butter cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the dough or baked cookies:
- Dough: Roll into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen; just add 2–3 minutes to baking time.
- Baked cookies: Cool completely, layer between parchment paper, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies all season without the stress of last-minute baking.
Sharing and Gifting Ideas
Christmas gooey butter cookies make thoughtful, homemade gifts. Here are some ways to spread the holiday cheer:
- Gift jars: Layer cookies in a mason jar with festive ribbons.
- Holiday cookie tins: Arrange cookies with parchment paper for a beautiful presentation.
- Cookie platters: Perfect for office parties, neighbors, or family get-togethers.
Adding a handwritten note or holiday tag makes the gift extra personal and memorable.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies are wonderfully versatile. Serve them warm or at room temperature alongside:
- Hot beverages: Cocoa, coffee, or spiced apple cider.
- Holiday desserts: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of fruitcake for a decadent treat.
- Snack plates: Combine with peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, or gingerbread cookies for a festive cookie platter.
These pairing ideas make your Christmas dessert table feel cozy, indulgent, and irresistibly inviting.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes! Chocolate cake mix works beautifully for a festive twist. You’ll get a rich, chocolatey version that still keeps the gooey center.
Q2: How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough slightly before baking and space cookies at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Q3: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute butter with ghee or a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese to keep them creamy and gooey.
Q4: How can I make the cookies extra festive?
Top with colored sugar, mini chocolate chips, or drizzle a powdered sugar glaze after baking.
Conclusion
Christmas gooey butter cookies are a holiday classic with a twist—easy to make, incredibly soft, and packed with buttery sweetness. With a simple cake mix, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that will disappear faster than Santa down the chimney. Whether for gifting, serving at holiday gatherings, or sneaking a few with a cup of cocoa by the fire, these cookies bring joy, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia to every bite.
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Enjoy these soft, ooey-gooey Christmas butter cookies made with a simple cake mix and pantry staples. Perfect for holiday baking, family gatherings, or gifting to friends.
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract
Instructions:
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and 1 cup powdered sugar.
Gradually add cake mix until fully combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in remaining powdered sugar.
Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake 12–14 minutes. Cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies