Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies melt in your mouth with a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that makes them an instant holiday favorite. They are simple to prepare using basic ingredients and perfect for sharing at parties, cookie swaps, or cozy family gatherings. Their festive appearance with powdered sugar and optional sprinkles adds a joyful touch to any dessert spread.

Ingredients

• Cake mix: One box of yellow or vanilla cake mix provides the base and sweetness for the cookies. Choose a high-quality cake mix for better flavor and texture
• Cream cheese: Eight ounces of cream cheese softly blended adds moisture and creaminess that’s essential for the gooey texture
• Unsalted butter: Half a cup of unsalted butter softened to room temperature helps create a tender crumb and smooth dough
• Eggs: Two large eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich consistency
• Extracts: One teaspoon of vanilla extract lends warm aromatic notes while half a teaspoon of almond extract adds an optional pleasant nutty hint that complements the sweetness
• Powdered sugar: One cup of powdered sugar is used to coat the dough balls, creating a delicate sweet crust and preventing sticking
• Festive sprinkles: Festive sprinkles add color and cheer to the cookies finishing them with a holiday twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.

Mix the Dough:

In a large bowl combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat them together until completely smooth and creamy to ensure the dough texture is perfect. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you are using it. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined and fluffy. Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix since the dough will be thick and sticky but beautifully cohesive.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to help the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.

Shape the Cookies:

Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl or plate for rolling. Scoop dough portions about the size of a tablespoon or use a cookie scoop, then roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands. Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set while the tops develop slight cracks signaling they are perfectly baked. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on them for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add Toppings:

While cookies are still warm, sprinkle festive holiday sprinkles on top to add color and a joyful festive look that will delight family and guests.

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Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months. Thaw completely before serving to enjoy that signature gooey texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to try a different flavor profile swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate or red velvet to give your cookies a colorful twist. Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities. Try swapping almond extract with peppermint or lemon extract for a festive or bright variation that can refresh the classic taste.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even milk for dunking. They also make lovely gifts when wrapped in festive tins or boxes, perfect for sharing the holiday cheer. Serve them on a decorated platter with other holiday sweets when hosting a party to wow your guests.

Pro Tips

Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve the smoothest dough. Don’t skip chilling the dough this step ensures you can handle the sticky dough easily and helps the cookies hold their shape when baking. Be gentle when rolling dough balls in powdered sugar to create an even coating which gives the cookies a pretty crackled appearance as they bake.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking, which helps develop flavors and ease handling.

→ Are there alternative flavor extracts to try?

Definitely! Peppermint, lemon, or almond extracts offer bright or nutty variations to customize the flavor profile.

→ What pairs well with these cookies?

Hot cocoa, coffee, or a cold glass of milk complement the sweet, buttery notes and soft texture beautifully.

→ Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits can introduce extra texture and flavor to the soft dough.

→ How should I store these cookies for best freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months, thawing before serving.