These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery richness and festive charm. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delicate sweetness, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert spreads, or cozy family baking sessions, these cookies come together easily with just a handful of ingredients. The powdered sugar coating gives them a snowy look, while optional sprinkles add a pop of holiday cheer. Whether you’re a baking pro or a novice, these cookies are a no-fail way to bring a little extra joy to your celebrations.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in powdered sugar and, if desired, press gently into festive sprinkles.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 57 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
History and Origin
Gooey Butter Cookies are inspired by the classic Gooey Butter Cake, a dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1930s. The story goes that a baker accidentally switched up the proportions of flour and butter, resulting in a dense, gooey cake that became a local legend. Over the years, creative bakers turned the idea into cookie form, making it more portable and bite-sized. The Christmas version incorporates festive elements like sprinkles to add holiday flair.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes is key to getting the perfect texture. It makes the dough easier to handle and ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: For a snow-like effect, roll the cookie dough generously in powdered sugar. The sugar helps create a crackled, festive appearance once baked.
- Sprinkles: While sprinkles are optional, they elevate the holiday feel. Choose red and green sprinkles for a Christmas vibe or silver and gold for a more elegant look.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to stay soft and gooey in the center. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set, even if the centers look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa, spiced mulled wine, or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
- Arrange them on a holiday dessert platter alongside other festive cookies like gingerbread men or peppermint bark.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them fresher, you can refrigerate them for up to a week and let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! After baking and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
- Dough Freezing: You can also freeze the dough balls before baking. Roll them in powdered sugar after thawing and bake as instructed.
Customizations and Variations
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist.
- Different Mix-Ins: Incorporate mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Color Theme: Use sprinkles to match the occasion. For example, pastel sprinkles for Easter or blue and white for winter-themed parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. They use simple ingredients, are quick to make, and deliver big on flavor. Their festive appearance makes them an instant hit for holiday parties, and their soft, gooey texture keeps everyone coming back for more.
What Makes Gooey Butter Cookies Special?
The hallmark of Gooey Butter Cookies is their irresistibly soft and gooey center, achieved through the combination of cream cheese and cake mix. These cookies have a light powdered sugar coating that gives them a snowy, festive appearance, making them perfect for the holiday season. Their ease of preparation and decadent flavor profile make them a favorite for holiday baking.
Why Use Cake Mix?
Using cake mix as the base ingredient simplifies the process and ensures consistent results. The mix provides the ideal balance of sweetness and structure, while the cream cheese adds richness and a velvety texture. This shortcut is perfect for busy bakers who want a quick and delicious treat without compromising on taste.
Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Consider describing or adding photos for each key step:
- Mixing the Dough: Show the transformation of the ingredients into a smooth, soft dough.
- Rolling the Dough Balls: Highlight how the powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch.
- Baking: Show how the cookies expand slightly and develop their signature crackled look.
- Cooling: Mention that letting the cookies cool on the tray helps them set without overbaking.
Ideal Occasions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies are versatile and fit seamlessly into many holiday occasions:
- Christmas Cookie Exchanges: Their unique gooey texture makes them stand out in a crowd of holiday treats.
- Gift-Giving: Pack these cookies in decorative tins or gift boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Holiday Parties: Add them to dessert platters for a festive touch.
- Family Baking Day: Their simplicity makes them a great recipe for baking with kids.
FAQs About Gooey Butter Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies without a cake mix?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe to include flour, sugar, and leavening agents to replicate the cake mix. Using cake mix ensures ease and consistent results.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is crucial. It firms up the butter and cream cheese, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to handle the increased volume.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies are rich and buttery, making them perfect to pair with:
- A glass of cold milk.
- Hot beverages like coffee, cocoa, or spiced chai.
- A light fruit-based dessert to balance the richness.
Make It a Family Tradition
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just a recipe; they’re a way to bring family and friends together. The simplicity of the process makes it an excellent choice for kids who love rolling the dough balls and coating them in powdered sugar. Create lasting memories by making these cookies a part of your holiday baking traditions.
Nutritional Insights
For those mindful of their diet during the holidays, you can provide approximate nutritional information:
- Calories per cookie: 120
- Total fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Note: Values may vary depending on the specific cake mix and ingredients used.
Conclusion
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive, delicious treat that’s perfect for any holiday occasion. Their soft, gooey texture and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a standout addition to your dessert table. Easy to make and customize, these cookies are ideal for family baking, gifting, or simply indulging in holiday cheer. Bring sweetness and joy to your celebrations with this delightful recipe. Happy Holidays! 🎄🍪✨