Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the ease of cake mix cookies with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, these cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The addition of colorful sprinkles adds a fun twist, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these simple yet delicious cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Irresistibly Soft Texture: The cream cheese keeps these cookies moist and soft, creating a delightful bite.
• Customizable: Add different types of sprinkles or even chocolate chips to make them your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These festive cookies are great for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just to enjoy at home with loved ones.
• Make Ahead Option: You can chill the dough or freeze the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is necessary for combining all ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a smooth mixture quickly, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix

For Garnish

• ½ cup holiday sprinkles
• ½ cup powdered sugar

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. The softened cream cheese.
2. The softened butter until smooth.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Cake Mix

Stir in the box of yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms. Be sure not to overmix at this stage.

Step 4: Add Sprinkles

Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles using a spatula or wooden spoon. Take care not to overmix as this can cause colors from the sprinkles to bleed into the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when forming cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Coat Cookies

Once chilled:
1. Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1½ inches).
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place the rolled dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain 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 cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for sharing during the festive season. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them to make your holiday gatherings even more special.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange a colorful platter with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark for a beautiful display.

Gift Bags

• Package the cookies in cute holiday-themed bags. Tie them with ribbons for a thoughtful gift that friends and family will love.

Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar at your holiday party featuring the cookies, along with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and seasonal fruits for guests to customize their treats.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve these gooey cookies with warm cups of hot cocoa. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a cozy experience.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Transform your cookies into scrumptious ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Making the perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.

• Chill the dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese and butter are softened will help create a smooth batter, making it easier to mix.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the sprinkles and cake mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; removing them when they are slightly soft in the center will ensure they stay gooey.
• Cool properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them helps maintain their shape and prevents breakage.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To complement your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, consider serving some delicious side dishes that enhance the festive spirit. Here’s a list of delightful options:

1. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink pairs beautifully with sweet treats, offering creamy and spiced flavors that everyone loves.
2. Fruitcake: A traditional holiday dessert that adds variety, with its rich flavor profile and festive fruits and nuts.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, providing savory bites alongside sweet ones.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts make for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of gooey butter cookies, adding a nice depth of flavor.
5. Candied Yams: This sweet dish brings warmth and comfort, making it a wonderful choice for holiday gatherings along with desserts.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or leftover cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert option.
7. Sugar Plums: These sweet confections offer fruity flavors that can create a lovely pairing with your buttery cookies.
8. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide creamy goodness that complements the gooey texture of your butter cookies perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some simple steps that can make a big difference. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing the dough too much can toughen the cookies. Gently fold in ingredients just until combined.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring baking times: Underbaking or overbaking affects texture. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when the edges are set but centers are soft.
• Using low-fat cream cheese: Low-fat versions may not provide the rich, gooey texture needed for these cookies. Stick to full-fat cream cheese for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a warm, fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies different?

These cookies feature cream cheese which gives them their signature gooey texture and rich flavor. Unlike traditional cookies, they are softer and melt in your mouth.

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Yes! Feel free to customize with any holiday-themed sprinkles or even chocolate chips for added flavor.

How should I store leftover Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various add-ins like nuts or different sprinkles. Their delightful texture and festive flair make them perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Try this recipe and enjoy the joy it brings!