Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that everyone will adore. With their rich cream cheese base and delightful sprinkle topping, they bring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience to every holiday gathering. Perfect for cookie exchanges or family celebrations, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday baking.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and yellow cake mix creates a rich, sweet flavor that is truly addictive.
• Festive Appearance: The colorful holiday sprinkles add a cheerful touch that makes these cookies visually appealing for any occasion.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as dessert or snack, and they can easily be adapted with different sprinkles or flavors if desired.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 32 cookies in one batch, there’s plenty to share with friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfect cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides enough space to combine all ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures the cream cheese blends well with the butter and other ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth.

Step 3: Add Cake Mix

Stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms. This step may require some elbow grease!

Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix; we want those vibrant colors intact!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when shaping into cookies.

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop out about 1 1/2-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance your holiday gatherings. From festive platters to cozy family nights, these cookies will surely bring joy.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with colorful holiday decorations. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.

Gift Bags or Boxes

• Pack individual cookies into festive bags or boxes. These make perfect homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Dessert Table Addition

• Include these cookies as part of a larger dessert table. Pair them with other holiday treats like brownies or cupcakes for variety.

Hot Beverages Pairing

• Serve the cookies alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. The warm drinks complement the soft texture of the cookies beautifully.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a cookie decorating station with extra sprinkles and toppings. Allow guests to personalize their cookies, making it a fun activity for all ages.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is simple with a few helpful tips. These pointers will ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use softened ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing for a smooth batter.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the sprinkles to keep their vibrant colors intact; overmixing can cause them to bleed.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center.
• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some delightful options that complement their sweetness perfectly.

1. Peppermint Bark
   A classic holiday treat made from layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, adding a refreshing contrast.
2. Eggnog Cheesecake
   Rich and creamy, this dessert captures the essence of the season while balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted nuts seasoned with warm spices provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.
4. Apple Crisp
   Warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream offers a comforting contrast to your sweet cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue
   Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows allows guests to dip treats alongside enjoying their gooey butter cookies.
6. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds brightness and balance to rich desserts, refreshing the palate after indulging in cookies.
7. Holiday Punch
   A non-alcoholic punch made from fruit juices and sparkling water is perfect for sipping alongside sweet treats.
8. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can create an intriguing savory contrast when enjoyed with sweet cookies, enhancing overall flavor profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is fun, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the dough makes it harder to handle and can result in flat cookies. Remember to chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding sprinkles can cause the colors to bleed. Mix gently until just combined for perfect-looking cookies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a different texture or flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Baking on unprepared sheets: Placing cookies directly on an ungreased baking sheet can cause them to stick. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are set but centers are soft.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it briefly to warm through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies that might help you along the way.

Can I use different cake mixes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet cake mixes for unique variations.

How do I make my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies more festive?

Add different colored sprinkles or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Can I substitute cream cheese in this recipe?

You could try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, but it may alter the texture slightly.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, chill it longer or add a little extra cake mix until it’s manageable.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious! Their soft, gooey texture makes them irresistible during the holiday season. Feel free to customize with your favorite sprinkles or chocolate chips to make them truly yours. Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with family and friends!