Christmas baking is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try. They take a festive spin on the classic gooey butter cookie by using cake mix, cream cheese, and colorful sprinkles. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s rich, chewy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re making these for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an ultra-soft texture, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful, snowy appearance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make – Uses cake mix, so no complicated steps.
- Perfectly soft and gooey – The cream cheese keeps them tender.
- Festive and colorful – Holiday sprinkles make them stand out.
- Great for gifting – A wonderful addition to cookie tins.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before getting started, gather everything you need for a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Helps cream the butter and cream cheese together.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
- Baking sheets – For even baking.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cookie scoop – Helps make uniform cookies.
- Wire rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly.
Preparation Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the cream cheese and butter mix smoothly.
- Chill the dough – Keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- Gently fold in sprinkles – Overmixing can cause color bleeding.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, making sure not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies will have a slightly crinkled appearance with a delicate powdered sugar coating, making them look just as festive as they taste.
Variations & Substitutions
- Try different cake mixes – White, red velvet, or chocolate cake mix all work well.
- Add extra flavors – A pinch of cinnamon or almond extract can enhance the holiday flavor.
- Use different sprinkles – Customize for different holidays or special occasions.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- With a hot beverage – These cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or warm apple cider. The sweetness of the cookies balances the rich flavors of warm drinks.
- As part of a holiday dessert spread – Serve alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and sugar cookies.
- With ice cream – Create a festive ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cookies.
- Dusted with extra powdered sugar – Right before serving, add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy, bakery-style look.
- On a holiday cookie platter – These cookies look beautiful arranged on a tray with red and green sprinkles adding a festive touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the texture and appearance of your cookies. Here’s how to avoid them.
1. Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing can make the dough tough and cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors, turning the cookies an unintended shade. Mix until just combined to keep the dough light and festive.
2. Not Chilling the Dough
Skipping the chilling step will result in cookies that spread too much while baking. The dough needs at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to firm up, ensuring soft and thick cookies.
3. Using Low-Fat Cream Cheese
Full-fat cream cheese is essential for the rich, gooey texture. Low-fat versions contain more moisture, which can make the cookies too soft and prevent them from setting properly.
4. Baking Too Long
These cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry rather than soft and gooey.
5. Not Rolling in Enough Powdered Sugar
The powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and a signature holiday look. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to get that classic crinkled effect once baked.
Side Dish Recommendations
While these cookies are a dessert on their own, pairing them with complementary treats can enhance a holiday spread. Here are eight delicious side options.
1. Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
A rich, creamy cup of hot cocoa is the perfect drink to enjoy alongside these cookies. The chocolatey warmth contrasts beautifully with the buttery, vanilla-flavored cookie.
2. Eggnog
For a classic holiday pairing, serve these cookies with a chilled or warm glass of eggnog. The cinnamon and nutmeg flavors of the eggnog complement the vanilla and butter notes of the cookies.
3. Spiced Apple Cider
The tartness of apple cider balances the sweetness of the cookies, and the added cinnamon and cloves make it extra festive.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream
For a simple yet indulgent treat, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold and creamy texture enhances the warm, soft cookie.
5. Fresh Berries
A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries can add a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
6. Caramel Drizzle
Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies before serving adds an extra layer of decadence.
7. Cheesecake Dip
A sweet cream cheese dip flavored with vanilla or cinnamon pairs well with these cookies for an extra creamy bite.
8. Holiday Punch
A festive fruit punch made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
By serving these cookies with the right pairings and avoiding common mistakes, you can create the perfect holiday treat that’s soft, flavorful, and festive. Whether enjoyed with a warm drink or as part of a dessert spread, these cookies are sure to be a favorite at any holiday gathering.
Recipe Tips for the Best Cookies
- Use full-fat ingredients – Full-fat cream cheese and butter are key to achieving the soft, gooey texture.
- Chill the dough – This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use a cookie scoop – Ensures evenly sized cookies, which bake at the same rate.
- Bake in batches – Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as cookies need space to spread slightly.
- Let them cool properly – Allow the cookies to set for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.
- In the Refrigerator: While not necessary, refrigerating the cookies can keep them fresh for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
How to Freeze Cookies
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as usual.
How to Reheat Cookies
- Room Temperature: Let frozen cookies thaw for 15-20 minutes before eating.
- Microwave: Warm cookies for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While yellow cake mix gives a classic buttery flavor, white, red velvet, or even chocolate cake mix can be used for a different twist.
2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. If storing longer, freeze the dough balls for later use.
4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Since the sweetness comes from the cake mix and powdered sugar, reducing sugar might affect the texture. If you prefer a less sweet version, opt for a cake mix with less sugar.
5. Do I have to use powdered sugar for rolling?
While the powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature look and texture, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet exterior. Rolling in granulated sugar is another option for a slight crunch.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free cake mix, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
7. How do I prevent my sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?
Use jimmies-style sprinkles, as they hold their color better. Stir them in gently and avoid overmixing the dough.
Conclusion
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a simple yet festive treat that brings holiday cheer with every bite. With their soft, chewy texture and colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights at home. By following the tips for preparation, storage, and freezing, you can enjoy these cookies fresh anytime throughout the season.
Whether served with a warm drink, gifted to friends, or added to a holiday cookie platter, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing them with loved ones, and make them a part of your holiday tradition.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
-
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding.
-
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
-
Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
-
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
-
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
Freezing: Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
