Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season! Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavors, they make a delightful addition to any cookie platter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or attending a cookie exchange, these cookies will impress your friends and family. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and colorful sprinkles, they embody the joy of Christmas baking!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Garnish
• How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Add Holiday Sprinkles
• Step 5: Chill the Dough
• Step 6: Shape Cookies
• Step 7: Bake Cookies
• Step 8: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• With Hot Beverages
• As Holiday Gifts
• During Festive Gatherings
• How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my cookies are done?
• Can I use different cake mixes?
• How should I store leftover cookies?
• Can I add other mix-ins?
• How long does it take to make these cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready for the oven in no time.
• Irresistibly Soft: The cream cheese creates a wonderfully gooey texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself during the festive season.
• Fun and Festive: The addition of holiday sprinkles adds a cheerful touch, making them visually appealing and fun to eat.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this recipe suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your baking process and ensure a fun experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter effortlessly and saves time when mixing ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for even baking and easy cookie removal.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix

For Garnish

• ½ cup holiday sprinkles
• ½ cup powdered sugar

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How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
2. ½ cup of softened unsalted butter
3. 1 large egg
4. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in:
– 1 box of yellow cake mix

Mix until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Add Holiday Sprinkles

Gently fold in:
– ½ cup of holiday sprinkles

Be careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding from the sprinkles.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when forming cookies.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or spoon to form 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in:
– ½ cup of powdered sugar

Ensure each cookie is fully coated before placing them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place the dough balls on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging at home, these cookies can bring joy to any occasion.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the gooey texture of the cookies alongside rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the sweetness of these cookies beautifully.

As Holiday Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative boxes to give as gifts to friends and family during the holidays.
• Cookie Platters: Create a festive cookie platter with other treats for gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.

During Festive Gatherings

• Dessert Table: Place them on your dessert table at holiday parties for guests to enjoy.
• Cookie Exchange: These cookies make an excellent choice for cookie exchanges, adding a unique touch to your contribution.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and ensures a thicker cookie.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that both cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Do Not Overmix: Gently fold in sprinkles to avoid color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as ovens can vary greatly.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature.

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Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Serving side dishes alongside your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some great options:

1. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink pairs wonderfully with sweet cookies, creating a festive flavor combination.
2. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh fruit adds balance and freshness to your dessert table.
3. Cheese Board: Include various cheeses and crackers for guests who enjoy savory bites alongside sweets.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows provides an interactive dessert experience.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts create a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Offer a variety of mini cupcakes to complement your cookies without overwhelming guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These tips will help you achieve the best results with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference!

• Not Softening Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese and butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always soften them at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better texture. Don’t skip this step to prevent sticky dough.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Fold in the sprinkles gently to maintain that soft, gooey texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cookies’ final outcome. Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: This can result in cookies sticking to the pan. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your cookies in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. This ensures a gooey texture.

Can I use different cake mixes?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors, but yellow cake mix gives the best results for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture in your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

How long does it take to make these cookies?

The total time is about 20 minutes, including prep and baking time, making it quick and easy!

Final Thoughts

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins and toppings, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Try this recipe today and enjoy their soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!