Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Festively Irresistible

ByYummy Recipes

There’s something magical about a cookie that melts in your mouth—crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and dusted with snowy powdered sugar. That’s exactly what you get with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These festive treats combine the rich decadence of gooey butter cake with the simplicity of a cookie, making them perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday trays, or just cozy nights in by the fireplace.

Made with cream cheese, cake mix, and a few pantry staples, these cookies are wonderfully easy to bake but taste like they came from a professional bakery. Their chewy, tender centers and lightly crisped edges offer the best of both cookie worlds—and their powdered sugar finish adds that perfect wintry look, like fresh snowflakes.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Festive & Delicious – Perfectly sweet and soft with holiday charm in every bite.
  • Super Easy – Made with cake mix and no complicated steps.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can be frozen or chilled in advance.
  • Customizable Colors & Flavors – Easily made red, green, or peppermint-flavored for extra Christmas spirit.
  • Perfect for Gifting – Stays soft for days, travels well, and looks gorgeous in cookie tins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or vanilla or butter)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added depth)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  • Optional: red or green food coloring, festive sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract (plus almond extract if using), and mix well until combined.

Gradually add the cake mix, beating on low until fully incorporated and a thick, sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to overnight). This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 3: Roll and Coat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop chilled dough into 1-inch balls (a cookie scoop works great). Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Optional: Roll the balls in red or green colored sugar after powdered sugar for a double-dipped festive finish.

Step 4: Bake

Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and puffy.

Do not overbake—these cookies should be gooey inside!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with more powdered sugar while warm if desired.

Festive Variations & Additions

  • Red Velvet Gooey Cookies: Use red velvet cake mix + white chocolate chips.
  • Peppermint Twist: Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and crushed candy canes to the dough.
  • Grinch Style: Tint dough green with a drop of food coloring and add a red candy heart.
  • Snowball Look: Roll twice in powdered sugar—before and after baking—for a super snowy finish.
  • Sprinkle Joy: Roll dough balls in red and green sprinkles for extra crunch and color.

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

  • On a Holiday Cookie Platter: Pair with sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and chocolate crinkles.
  • With Hot Chocolate: Dunk one into a steamy mug of cocoa for a cozy treat.
  • For Dessert Buffets: A must-have on any Christmas dessert table.
  • In Gift Boxes: They stay soft for days and pack beautifully.
  • Santa-Approved Snack: Leave a plate by the fireplace on Christmas Eve.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Chill the Dough: At least 1 hour to reduce stickiness and prevent spreading.
  • Use Parchment or Silicone Mats: Helps prevent over-browning and sticking.
  • Don’t Overbake: They should look soft and slightly underdone—firm up as they cool.
  • Sift Powdered Sugar: For an extra smooth coating.
  • Double Dip: For a thick, snowy finish, roll in powdered sugar before and after baking.

Storage & Make-Ahead Info

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Roll in powdered sugar before baking (no need to thaw).
  • Reheat: Briefly warm in the microwave for that fresh-baked softness.

Nutritional Info (Per Cookie, Approximate)

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sodium: 85mg

(Based on a 24-cookie batch using standard yellow cake mix)

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

FAQs

Can I use other cake mix flavors?
Absolutely! Try red velvet, chocolate, or funfetti for playful versions.

Why do I need to chill the dough?
It keeps the cookies from spreading too much and makes rolling easier.

Can I skip the cream cheese?
No—cream cheese is essential for that signature gooey texture.

Will the powdered sugar melt during baking?
Some will, but most will stay intact, especially if you double coat.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are GF.

Conclusion

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-bake treat during the holidays. With their pillowy centers, festive powdered sugar dusting, and sweet buttery flavor, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking for Santa, gifting loved ones, or just treating yourself, these cookies are holiday magic in every bite. One batch might not be enough—so be prepared to make more!

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