Introduction to Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my favorite recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These little delights are not just cookies; they’re a warm hug on a chilly day. Soft, sweet, and bursting with festive cheer, they practically melt in your mouth! Perfect for busy moms or professionals, this recipe will have you baking up a storm without stealing too much of your precious time. Trust me, your loved ones will savor each bite, and you’ll be the star of any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
One of the greatest joys of baking these cookies is how easy they are to make. In just under 45 minutes, you can create something extraordinary! Each bite offers a delightful burst of sweetness and creaminess. Plus, the festive sprinkles add a touch of cheer, making these cookies perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for family or gathering with friends, they always bring smiles and happy memories!
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
For these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Full-fat cream cheese: This is the heart of our cookies, ensuring they stay wonderfully soft and creamy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor. Be sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- Large egg: This helps bind everything together, giving the cookies their chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of this adds warmth and a hint of sweetness, making the flavors pop.
- Yellow cake mix: The magic ingredient that provides structure and that classic cookie sweetness.
- Holiday sprinkles: These not only bring color but also a festive flair to your cookie dough.
- Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls, it creates a sweet, snowy coating that’s simply irresistible.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different flavors of cake mix, or even adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture! You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, available for easy printing.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! This is where the holiday magic happens, turning simple ingredients into soft, scrumptious treats. Follow each step carefully, and prepare to fill your kitchen with sweet, buttery aromas!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Preheating is crucial for even baking. A hot oven ensures the cookies rise perfectly and maintain their gooey centers.
Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, no one likes scrubbing pans after a long day.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should resemble a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Make sure there are no lumps; a well-mixed base is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Now, it’s time to incorporate the yellow cake mix. Slowly add it to the creamy mixture. Stir until a thick dough forms. This dough should be cohesive, a bit sticky, and can be easily scooped out later. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to let your imagination run wild with flavors!
Step 4: Incorporate Holiday Sprinkles
The fun part comes next! Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Use a spatula so you don’t overmix and let the vibrant colors remain intact. Each sprinkle adds festive flair, which is just so inviting. Just think: every bite is like a tiny party in your mouth!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Now, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is essential! It makes the dough easier to handle and enhances the texture of the cookies. Plus, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. A chilling dough makes for a perfectly balanced cookie!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop out about 1 1/2-inch balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar. This gives them a delightful snowy coating that’s oh-so-tempting. Don’t be shy! Roll until they’re fully coated and looking festive. Then, place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Time to bake! Pop the trays into your preheated oven and let them bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. This contrast is what gives you that gooey texture. Your kitchen will soon smell heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They need some time to firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, it’s time to enjoy these little delights. Each bite is a soft, gooey memory waiting to happen during your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
- Always use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, gooey texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s vital for perfect cookie consistency.
- Experiment with different sprinkle colors for added holiday cheer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
- Set a timer to avoid overbaking; these cookies are best with soft centers!
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works fine, but a stand mixer makes life easier.
- Baking sheets: If you don’t have parchment, grease them with butter.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, just ensure they’re large enough for all ingredients.
- Scoop: A cookie scoop is ideal but a tablespoon will do the trick.
Variations
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a decadent twist!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to enjoy these cookies without the gluten.
- Nutty Surprise: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract instead of vanilla, adding a festive touch.
- Assorted Sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles to match your party’s color scheme or theme!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a festive fruit platter for a refreshing contrast.
- Present them on a decorative plate and sprinkle with extra holiday sprinkles for a fun display.
- Offer a side of creamy eggnog for a classic holiday experience.
- Include them in a cookie box gift for neighbors and friends!
FAQs about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Stack them carefully so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. They’ll taste just as good!
What makes these cookies gooey?
The combination of full-fat cream cheese and butter creates that unmistakably soft texture. This delightful mixture makes every bite a luscious experience. It’s what truly sets these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies apart!
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Of course! If you want to switch things up, try using chocolate or funfetti cake mix. Each variation adds a fun twist to the cookies and keeps everyone guessing at your secret ingredient.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Watch closely as they bake. The edges should be set while the centers still look slightly soft. If they start to brown too much, you’ll lose that gooey center. Trust your senses—they’ll smell heavenly when they’re almost ready!
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic idea! Just fold them in along with the sprinkles. This adds another layer of deliciousness and will make these cookies even more irresistible!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies has a way of filling your home with warmth and joy. Each delightful bite offers a sweet reminder of the love and laughter shared during the holidays. Whether you whip them up for a friendly gathering or surprise your family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. With minimal effort and mouthwatering results, you can create memories that last far beyond the season. So roll up your sleeves, sprinkle a little magic, and enjoy the happy moments that come with sharing these gooey delights!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Notes
- Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right consistency.
- Feel free to substitute with different colors of sprinkles for a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
