The holidays are the perfect time for festive treats, and Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-have addition to your baking lineup. With a soft, gooey center and a hint of buttery sweetness, these cookies combine everything you love about Christmas baking cookies. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and require minimal effort thanks to a cake mix base. Whether you’re preparing treats for a party, gifting cookies, or indulging at home, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Butter Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples like cake mix and butter.
- Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Irresistible Texture: Soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Festive Look: Add colorful sprinkles or decorations for a beautiful holiday treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun for kids to make and eat!
These Xmas cookies recipes are so versatile that they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for the holidays.
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Essential Ingredients for Flavor
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
- Red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
Optional Add-ins for Holiday Cheer
- Crushed peppermint candy
- White chocolate chips
- Festive food coloring
- Chopped nuts for texture
These simple ingredients come together to create gooey, buttery perfection that will impress everyone at your holiday table.
Tools Needed for Christmas Baking Cookies
Before getting started, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
Having these tools ready will ensure your baking process is smooth and mess-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Gooey Butter Cookies
Preparing the Cookie Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the cake mix and beat until the dough comes together. It will be thick but soft.
- Gently fold in red and green sprinkles for a festive look.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands.
- Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, coating it generously.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The result? Ooey gooey butter cookies with the perfect balance of soft and chewy goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Gooey Butter Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: This gives the cookies their iconic snowy look.
How to Add Festive Flavors to Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Using Different Cake Mixes
- Try chocolate or red velvet cake mix for a unique twist.
- Lemon cake mix creates a tangy and refreshing holiday treat.
Incorporating Holiday Colors
- Use green food coloring in half the dough and red in the other half for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Add colorful sugar sprinkles or edible glitter to make them extra festive.
Storing Your Christmas Butter Cookies
Room Temperature Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing for Longer Shelf Life
- Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Perfect Pairings with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Serve with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Pair with holiday eggnog or a festive milkshake.
Creative Ways to Serve Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Arrange cookies on a holiday platter for parties.
- Package them in decorative tins or boxes as gifts.
- Add a ribbon and personalized tags to make edible presents extra special.
Making Christmas Baking Cookies a Fun Family Tradition
Baking gooey butter cookies is a perfect activity for kids and adults alike. Turn it into a festive family tradition with holiday music, matching aprons, and lots of sprinkles!
How to Customize Xmas Cookies Recipes for Gifts
- Use themed cookie cutters for unique shapes.
- Create a variety pack by adding chocolate chip or peppermint cookies.
- Wrap cookies in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cake Mix Cookies
- Skipping Chilling Time: Chilling helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined for the perfect texture.
- Not Coating in Powdered Sugar: This step gives the cookies their signature look.
Why These Gooey Cookies Are the Ultimate Holiday Treat
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies combine everything you love about the holidays—sweet flavors, festive colors, and buttery softness. They’re easy to make, perfect for gifting, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, foolproof cookie recipe to elevate your holiday celebrations, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are your answer. With their soft centers, buttery flavor, and festive charm, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Grab your ingredients, gather the family, and get baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other cake mix flavors for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake mix for a fun variation.
2. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Chill the dough before rolling, or lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is key to the texture, you can try Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.
5. How do I keep the cookies fresh for gifting?
Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
