Every December, when the house smells like cinnamon and pine needles, I know it’s time to bake my favorite holiday cookies. Out of all the sweets that fill my kitchen, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies always steal the show. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and just sweet enough to make everyone smile before the tree lights even turn on.
The first time I made them, I remember the chaos kids running through the kitchen, the dog stealing sprinkles, and powdered sugar floating in the air like snow. But when that first batch came out of the oven, golden and soft with a gooey center that seemed to shine, I knew I’d found a keeper. These cookies quickly became part of our family’s holiday rhythm baked while wrapping gifts, listening to carols, or waiting for that first snowfall.
What makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies special isn’t just their taste it’s how easy they are to make. With cream cheese, butter, and a box of cake mix, they come together in minutes. The dough is thick and sticky, but once rolled in powdered sugar, it transforms into soft pillows that bake into perfection. Each bite has a delicate crust outside and a gooey center that almost melts on your tongue.
Whenever friends stop by with their kids, I always keep a plate of these on the counter next to a pot of cocoa or a batch of Christmas Fruit Cake. They disappear faster than I can refill the tray. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t demand perfection just a bit of butter, a warm oven, and a holiday heart.
I once brought these cookies to a cookie swap, right next to my Frosted Christmas Brownies, and they were the first to vanish. People kept asking, “What’s the secret?” Honestly, it’s the balance—soft, rich, and not too sweet, with a dusting of sugar that sparkles like frost.
So, if you’re looking for a cookie that’s as joyful as the season itself, grab your mixing bowl and make a batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. They’re proof that holiday magic doesn’t come from fancy ingredients—it comes from the warmth of home, a little powdered sugar on your sleeves, and the joy of sharing something sweet with people you love.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. This step gives your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies their signature creamy texture.
- Mix in both eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is blended. The batter should look silky and pale.
- Add the dry cake mix a little at a time, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the dough. It will be thick and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want.
- Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the centers soft and gooey.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and toss it in powdered sugar until coated. Add red and green sprinkles for that festive sparkle.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft—that’s where the ‘gooey’ magic happens.
- Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, give them a final dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Notes
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The Recipe & Ingredients
There’s something almost magical about how easily Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies come together. You don’t need to be a baking expert or own fancy tools—just a bowl, a mixer, and a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
You’ll start with a block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Add a stick of unsalted butter—make sure it’s soft but not melted. You’ll need one box of yellow cake mix, two large eggs, a splash of vanilla extract, a handful of holiday sprinkles, and plenty of powdered sugar for rolling. That’s it—no complicated steps or rare ingredients.
Each ingredient has a purpose. The butter and cream cheese make the cookies soft and rich. The cake mix gives them their signature gooey texture. Vanilla adds warmth, and powdered sugar gives them that perfect snowy coating. The sprinkles? They bring the Christmas spirit to life, turning every cookie into a tiny holiday ornament.
If you love easy desserts that taste like they took hours, you might also enjoy my Natural Metabolism Boosting Recipes—they’re proof that quick can still mean delicious. Or if you want a savory balance after all that sugar, try the Cottage Cheese Bagels Air Fryer for a warm, satisfying bite.
Step-by-Step Baking Directions
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. This step gives your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies their signature creamy texture.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla.
Mix in both eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is blended. The batter should look silky and pale.
3. Stir in the cake mix.
Add the dry cake mix a little at a time, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the dough. It will be thick and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want.
4. Chill the dough.
Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the centers soft and gooey.
5. Roll and coat.
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and toss it in powdered sugar until coated. Add red and green sprinkles for that festive sparkle.
6. Bake to perfection.
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft—that’s where the “gooey” magic happens.
7. Cool and dust.
Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, give them a final dusting of powdered sugar.
If you want to serve them with something rich and cozy, these cookies pair beautifully with the Pistachio Martini Recipe for adults or hot chocolate for the kids. And for more easy baking ideas that don’t take all day, try my Gelatin Trick for Weight Loss—a surprisingly clever way to make desserts light yet satisfying.
There you have it: soft, buttery cookies that bake up golden and gooey in the middle every time. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie swap, Santa’s plate, or a cozy night at home, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bring that festive magic straight from your oven to your table.
Festive Variations & Storage Tips
Once you’ve mastered the basic batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, the fun really begins. This dough is like a blank holiday canvas—you can twist it, color it, or flavor it to match any mood or celebration. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels fancy even though it’s incredibly easy.
Festive Twists for Every Cookie Exchange
During the holidays, I love adding a splash of color and creativity to my cookie trays. Here are a few ways to give your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a festive upgrade:
Peppermint Swirl:
Add a drop of peppermint extract and a swirl of red food coloring to half the dough. Roll the white and red together before coating in sugar for a candy cane look.
White Chocolate Drizzle:
Once your cookies cool, melt white chocolate and drizzle it across the tops. It gives a snowy finish and a creamy bite that pairs perfectly with cocoa.
Funfetti Magic:
Mix red, green, and gold sprinkles right into the dough before chilling. The color stays bright and festive through baking.
Lemon Snowflakes:
Swap the yellow cake mix for lemon flavor and dust with extra powdered sugar. The result? A cookie that tastes like winter sunshine.
If you enjoy giving your holiday treats a twist, you’ll love trying the Christmas Fruit Cake next. It’s rich, nostalgic, and perfect for pairing with these cookies on a dessert platter. For an extra chocolate touch, serve these alongside Frosted Christmas Brownies a duo that no one can resist.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Keeping your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies soft and flavorful is simple. The key is moisture control. These cookies love airtight containers—keep them sealed and they’ll stay tender for days.
If you’re planning ahead for a party or cookie swap, here’s what works best:
Room Temperature Storage:
Place cookies in an airtight container and store them for up to four days. Add a small piece of bread to help maintain that soft, chewy texture.
Refrigeration:
If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate the cookies in layers separated by parchment paper. Let them reach room temperature before serving so they taste freshly baked.
Freezer Friendly:
You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and coat in powdered sugar first. Then, place them on a tray to harden before sealing in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven—no need to thaw!
Baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to two months. When it’s time to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and dust with a little extra powdered sugar for that “just baked” look.
If you love make-ahead desserts, you might enjoy my Honey Trick Recipe a clever way to add shine and moisture to cookies or cakes that you plan to store. And if you’re all about prepping desserts early, the ideas in Natural Metabolism Boosting Recipes offer quick, healthy swaps for balancing your sweet traditions.
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies aren’t just treatsthe y’re tiny holiday gifts. With their soft centers and powdered sugar sparkle, they make every bite feel like a celebration.
FAQs & Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add festive flavors or colors to Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, and it’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can add a drop of peppermint extract or almond extract for a holiday twist, or mix in food coloring and sprinkles to match your Christmas theme. These cookies are like edible ornaments—fun and colorful.
2. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling is essential. It keeps your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies thick and chewy instead of flat. Thirty minutes in the fridge is enough to make a big difference.
3. What makes gooey butter cookies different from sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies are crisp and light, while gooey butter cookies are soft, rich, and melt in your mouth. The cream cheese in the dough gives them a creamy texture that sugar cookies can’t match.
4. Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance or freeze baked cookies for up to two months. Just thaw them before serving and add a dusting of powdered sugar for that fresh-baked look.
The Joy of Sharing Gooey Butter Cookies
Baking Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies isn’t just about the cookies—it’s about the feeling that fills your home while you make them. The sound of laughter, the warmth of the oven, and the smell of butter and vanilla drifting through the house make these cookies more than just dessert—they’re a piece of Christmas itself.
Every time I bake them, I’m reminded that joy comes from small things: a dusting of sugar, a golden edge, or that first bite that melts away like snow. So, this holiday season, skip the stress and keep it simple. Bake a batch, pour some cocoa, and share a plate of these sweet, soft treasures with the people you love most.
If you want to fill your dessert table with more homemade cheer, try pairing these cookies with Frosted Christmas Brownies or Christmas Fruit Cake—the ultimate festive trio for any gathering.