Festive Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies

Indulge in the magic of the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! When time is of the essence, and you crave a treat that embodies the festive spirit, this recipe is your go-to. Made with creamy butter, velvety cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are a celebration of softness and richness in every bite.

The charm of these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies lies not only in their heavenly taste but also in their simplicity. With a base of white cake mix and a generous sprinkle of colorful toppings, they come together effortlessly, making them a perfect choice for busy holiday baking days. Allow yourself to be captivated by the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake to perfection.

As you dive into the joy of baking these gooey butter cookies with your loved ones, remember that the key ingredient is patience. Let the flavors mingle, the dough chill, and the cookies bake to a golden perfection. Whether you gift them to friends and family or savor them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to spread warmth and cheer all season long.

Quick Benefits

• Quick to make – ready in 30 minutes flat!
• Festive and fun – perfect for holiday baking with kids.
• Foolproof recipe – starting with a cake mix makes them easy yet delicious.
• Great for gifting – stays fresh for days and brings holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

• Perfect for the busy holiday season: Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a festive treat.
• Soft and rich texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth, adding a luxurious richness to each bite.
• Festive and fun: The addition of colorful sprinkles makes these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any holiday dessert table or cookie exchange.
• Kid-friendly recipe: Kids will have a blast rolling the dough in sugar and decorating the cookies with sprinkles, making this a fun and interactive baking activity for the whole family.
• Foolproof recipe: Starting with a cake mix makes these cookies almost foolproof, ensuring that they turn out perfectly every time, even for novice bakers.
• Wonderful aroma: The buttery vanilla aroma that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake will instantly put you in a holiday mood, making them a delightful treat to enjoy during the festive season.

Ingredients for Festive Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies

• 1/2 cup sprinkles, divided.
• 1 white cake mix.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened.
• 1 egg.
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.

Pro Tips for Festive Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies

For the perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture. Letting the egg come to room temperature ensures even mixing. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile and choose a white cake mix from any brand for consistent results.

When rolling the cookies in sprinkles, be generous to achieve that festive look. Remember not to overbake the cookies; they should appear slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven to maintain their gooey centers. Patience is key – don’t rush the process and chill the dough as directed for the best results.

Consider gifting these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They make wonderful presents and stay fresh for days, spreading holiday cheer to all who receive them. And don’t forget to save some for Santa – they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!

How to Make Festive Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Step 01

Combine butter and cream cheese, then mix in egg and vanilla until just combined.

Step 2: Step 02

Mix cake mix into batter until fully incorporated, then fold in 1/4 cup sprinkles.

Step 3: Step 03

Chill dough for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 4: Step 04

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a cookie sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 5: Step 05

Shape tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls, coat with sprinkles, and then roll in confectioner’s sugar.

Step 6: Step 06

Place cookies 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked and decorated your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cookies from drying out.

If you want to keep your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place the cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate for up to a week. Just be sure to let the cookies come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their gooey texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and they will be ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the unsalted butter, you can easily substitute it with salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the overall salt content in the recipe and adjust accordingly. Alternatively, if you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter as a substitute.

If you don’t have cream cheese available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. The Greek yogurt will still provide that creamy texture to the cookies while adding a slight tanginess to the flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative with the sprinkles by using different colors and shapes to suit the occasion or your personal preference. You can also swap out the sprinkles for other festive decorations like chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint candies for a different flavor and texture dimension in your Christmas gooey butter cookies.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive serving suggestion, try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two Christmas gooey butter cookies to make delightful ice cream sandwiches. Roll the edges in additional sprinkles for an extra pop of color and sweetness. The combination of the soft, buttery cookies with the creamy ice cream is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.

Another creative way to serve these Christmas gooey butter cookies is to crumble them up and use them as a topping for a bowl of warm, spiced apple cider. The gooey texture of the cookies will melt into the cider, adding a delicious buttery flavor and festive touch. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy and comforting holiday treat that will warm both the body and soul.

FAQs for Festive Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but it may alter the overall taste slightly by adding a hint of saltiness. Adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors if using salted butter.

Can I refrigerate the cookie dough overnight?

Absolutely! Chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator overnight not only enhances the flavors but also helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking. Just make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling them into balls.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

While the white cake mix gives these cookies a classic vanilla flavor, you can definitely experiment with different flavors like chocolate, lemon, or funfetti for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake mix will influence the overall taste of the cookies.

How should I store these Christmas gooey butter cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

As you embark on your holiday baking journey, remember that Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a symbol of the festive season. The joy they bring to your kitchen and the smiles they elicit from your loved ones make them truly special. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of these delightful cookies.

May your home be filled with the warm scent of vanilla and butter as you bake up a batch of these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Embrace the magic of the holiday season and create lasting memories with your family and friends. From our kitchen to yours, we hope these cookies bring you comfort and joy this Christmas. Happy baking and happy holidays!