The holidays just aren’t complete without a plate of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and dusted in powdered sugar like little snowballs of buttery joy. These cookies are simple to make, but they taste like something straight from a bakery — rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet.
The first time I made these was during one of those snowy December weekends when the house smelled like cinnamon, pine, and cookies. I had leftover cream cheese from a cheesecake and thought, “why not try those gooey butter cookies I’ve seen all over holiday blogs?” The moment I took them out of the oven, I knew I’d found my new favorite Christmas cookie.
Now, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies have earned a permanent spot on my holiday baking list, right next to my Pistachio Chocolate Bar Cookies and Salted Caramel Blondies.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla (and almond extract if using).
- Add the cake mix to the bowl and stir until well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will be soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies are everything you love about holiday baking — soft, sweet, and perfectly festive. They’re made with simple ingredients, come together in minutes, and taste incredible. The cream cheese gives them their signature gooey center, while powdered sugar adds that snowy Christmas finish.
If you love soft, buttery desserts like my Chewy Brownie Cookies or Brown Butter Toffee Cookies, these will be your new Christmas favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra holiday flavor
- Red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
If you love cookies with simple ingredients but big flavor, try my White Chocolate Macadamia Bars — they share that same rich, buttery sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla (and almond extract if using).
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Add the cake mix to the bowl and stir until well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky — that’s what makes them gooey!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 5: Scoop and Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will be soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
If you enjoy easy holiday recipes like my Gooey S’mores Bars, this one will become your go-to every December.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Chill the dough: It’s easier to shape and keeps the cookies thick.
- Don’t overbake: They should look slightly underdone when you take them out.
- Use real butter: It gives the cookies their signature richness.
- Add color: Red and green sprinkles make them extra festive.
I use the same easy tricks to get perfect texture in my Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough: Scoop, roll, and freeze dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool completely, freeze in layers with parchment, and thaw before serving.
Like my Christmas Bread Recipe, these cookies stay soft and delicious for days — perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
Flavor Variations
- Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Use red velvet cake mix instead of yellow.
- Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cake mix and dust with cocoa powder + sugar.
- Lemon Twist: Swap in lemon cake mix and add a touch of zest.
- Peppermint Crunch: Add crushed candy canes for a minty holiday flavor.
If you love creative spins on classics, these are as fun to customize as my Baklava-Inspired Blondies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any cake mix?
Yes! Try vanilla, chocolate, or even funfetti for a festive twist.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and stay gooey inside.
3. Can I make these ahead?
Definitely — the dough keeps in the fridge for 48 hours.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These disappear fast, so doubling is always smart.
The Final Bite
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday treat — buttery, soft, and dusted in powdered sugar like fresh snow. Every bite is rich and melt-in-your-mouth good. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or Santa himself, these cookies bring pure joy to the holiday season.
Serve them warm with hot cocoa or alongside my Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe for a cozy Christmas night.