Looking for a holiday cookie recipe that’s easy to make and melts in your mouth? These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, made with cake mix, are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray! With their soft, gooey texture and a festive sprinkle coating, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: Made with cake mix, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples.
- Fun to Make: Rolling the dough in sprinkles and powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
- Perfect for Parties: These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting.
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness to the dough.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – Makes the cookies gooey and creamy.
- 1 egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth.
- 1 box white cake mix – The base of the recipe, keeping things simple.
- ½ cup sprinkles, divided – For a festive touch.
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar – Coats the cookies, adding a snowy effect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating just until combined. Gradually add in the cake mix and continue mixing until well blended. Gently stir in ¼ cup of the sprinkles.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and prevents spreading during baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Sprinkle each ball with some of the remaining sprinkles, then roll in confectioner’s sugar until fully coated. Place the cookie balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to set. Avoid overbaking to maintain that gooey texture. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Use Softened Ingredients: Ensuring that the butter and cream cheese are softened helps create a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving a gooey texture and keeping the cookies from spreading too much.
- Avoid Overbaking: These cookies are best when they remain slightly soft in the center. Remove them from the oven when they’re just set on the edges.
Fun Variations for Your Gooey Butter Cookies
- Add Peppermint: For a winter twist, add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Use red and green sprinkles to give these cookies extra holiday cheer.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: After baking, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for a beautiful and delicious touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Yes, these cookies are versatile! Try using a yellow or even a red velvet cake mix to switch things up.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why Do I Need to Chill the Dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a perfectly gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own but also pair well with:
- Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa complements these sweet treats perfectly.
- Milk: Classic and always delicious!
- Eggnog: For a festive pairing, serve with a glass of eggnog.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 96 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Why Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a hit for the holiday season because they’re easy, festive, and full of that buttery, gooey goodness everyone loves. Whether for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with family, these cookies are a delightful treat to celebrate the season!
Try this recipe out, and make this holiday season even sweeter with these irresistible Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
