Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are sweet little bites of holiday joy. These cookies have a creamy texture with a slight crisp around the edges. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. You’ll love how quickly they come together!

Why You Will Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them ideal for busy holiday baking. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re made from everyday items you probably already have in your pantry. Their rich, gooey texture makes them delightful to eat, and the light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch. Plus, they’ll bring smiles to both kids and adults alike!

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Making these cookies is as easy as pie. Start by mixing the ingredients in one bowl. Then scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet. Finally, just pop them in the oven! In no time, you’ll have warm, gooey treats ready to enjoy.

What You Need

1 box of cake mix (yellow or vanilla)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened cream cheese, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Dust with powdered sugar and add sprinkles if desired before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are lovely on their own, but you can serve them with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of milk for an extra cozy treat. They brighten up holiday tables and work wonderfully as gifts or party favors. You can even set them out for guests during holiday get-togethers!

How to Store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them on the counter before enjoying again!

Recipe Tips

Use softened cream cheese for a smoother batter and creamier texture.
Don’t overbake! The centers should be soft and gooey when you take them out.
If you want to add a twist, try using a chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday touch.
Ensure your baking sheet is lined with parchment for easy removal and cleanup.

Variations & Swaps

Chocolate Flavor: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow or vanilla for a chocolatey delight.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for everyone.
Nutty Twist: Add some chopped nuts or crushed candy canes for a crunchy finish.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want. Just let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze well. Once they are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

What’s the best way to reheat cookies?
To reheat, place the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up and soften the gooey center again. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still work nicely in the recipe.

What if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to handle and scoop onto the baking sheet.