The smell of sweet vanilla and warm cream cheese melting into powdered sugar always takes me back to my aunt’s kitchen at Christmastimeradio playing Bing Crosby, snow tapping the windows. That’s the magic baked into every bite of these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Soft, rich, dusted in sugar like fresh snow. They’ve been making a comeback lately, and honestly, their melt-in-your-mouth centers say it all.
This is a twist on the old-school gooey butter cake, but in handheld cookie form. A box of yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and a little butter magicthat’s it. No rolling pins, no cookie cutters. Just mix, chill, scoop, and bake. They’re crackly on the outside and softer than snowfall in the middle. And yes, these freeze like a dream if you want to tuck some away for later.
I first made these back in 2015 after a cookie swap got a little… competitive. Everyone wanted the most Pinterest-perfect spread, but I wanted something nostalgic. My cousin took one bite and said, “It’s like cheesecake and sugar cookies had a baby.” Letting the dough chill at least an hour is the trickit keeps the cookies thick and pillowy. I’ve baked hundreds of batches since for the blog and the holidays, and this one still wins hearts every year.
Olivia Farnsworth
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe Youll Love
Enjoy these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, a festive twist on classic Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Cookies feature a soft, creamy texture from the cream cheese that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these delicious Ooey Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies are easy to make and decorated with colorful sprinkles for a joyful Christmas touch.
Set your oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, blend the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is silky smooth.
Add the yellow cake mix and mix until you get a dense dough.
Carefully fold in the holiday sprinkles, ensuring not to overwork the dough to keep the colors vibrant.
Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.
Form the chilled dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar.
Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheets with a 2-inch gap between each.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for edges to firm while centers remain soft.
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a cooling rack to set completely.
Notes
Keep the cookies stored in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. These cookies freeze well for up to three months; thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
There’s something irresistibly magical about these cookies. Here’s why they’re sure to become a holiday staple in your kitchen:
Nostalgic charm: With the flavor of classic gooey butter cake and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’ll remind you of old-school holiday desserts.
So simple: Just a few pantry staples and no need for cutters or fancy equipmentthe cake mix does all the heavy lifting!
Perfectly festive: Those sprinkles? They make each cookie feel like a handheld bit of holiday cheer.
No stress baking: The dough is forgiving, and a quick chill means they’re easy to roll and bake beautifully every time.
Ingredient Breakdown & Tools You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies:
Full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter: They make these cookies rich, soft, and ultra gooey inside. Let them soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
Yellow cake mix: The secret shortcut for tender cookies with lightly golden edges.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to balance the sweetness.
Holiday sprinkles: Fun and festive without extra effort.
Powdered sugar: For that classic snowy coating and a touch of extra sweetness.
Tools: You’ll need an electric mixer, a sturdy spoon for folding, a cookie scoop for even portions, and parchment paper to keep cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is beginner-friendly, but here’s how to keep things smooth from start to finish:
Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. A hand mixer works best here.
Add the cake mix: Stir in the yellow cake mixyou’ll get a thick dough that just smells like the holidays.
Sprinkle in some cheer: Gently fold in your holiday sprinkles. Avoid overmixing so the colors don’t bleed.
Chill out: Place the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes it less sticky and easier to scoop.
Shape and coat: Scoop out 1 ½-inch balls of dough, roll them gently between your palms, and coat each one generously in powdered sugar.
Bake: Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on your baking sheets, then bake for 10–12 minutes. You want set edges but slightly soft centers for that gooey magic.
Cool down: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience, friendthey’re worth the wait!
Pro Tips & Common Troubleshooting Notes
Sticky dough? Don’t skip the chill time. It firms up the butter and cream cheese, making the dough easier to manage.
Sprinkles bleeding into the dough? Gently fold them in at the very end, and don’t overmix.
Flat cookies? Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened, but not melted. Chilling the dough prevents spread, too.
Underbaked centers: These cookies are meant to be slightly gooey in the middle. If in doubt, pull them out once the edges are set.
Quick Look: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Timing
Step
Time
Prep & Mix
10 minutes
Chill Dough
30 minutes
Bake
10–12 minutes
Total
~50 minutes
Serving & Storing Your Cookies
These cookies are perfect for all your holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just a cozy treat with coffee:
Serving: Pair them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday vibes. They also shine on any Christmas dessert platter.
Storing: Keep the cookies fresh by storing them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Expert Says
Christmas gooey butter cookies achieve their signature texture by balancing butter and sugar with cream cheese, which adds moisture and tenderness. The combination of these ingredients promotes a soft crumb and rich flavor, making the cookies irresistibly soft while maintaining structure during baking.
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Finding Comfort in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
After several rounds of tweaking, including one batch that was too cakey and another too sticky, I finally landed on these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. The process was patient and a little messy, but today’s recipe captures that perfect balance of creamy sweetness and tender crumb that feels like a warm holiday hug.
FAQs ( Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies )
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent excessive spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool and use parchment paper to help the cookies hold their shape. Avoid adding too much butter beyond the recipe’s amount to maintain the right consistency.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. After baking, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and gooey. This flexibility makes them great for holiday planning.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature to enjoy the same ooey gooey texture as fresh.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
While some substitutions like using light butter instead of regular can work, avoid changing the cake mix type to keep the texture gooey. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flavor without affecting the cookie’s unique consistency.
What makes these cookies so ooey gooey?
This recipe uses a blend of cream cheese and cake mix, which creates a dense, moist interior with a slightly crisp edge. That unique combo is the secret behind the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets these cookies apart from traditional ones.
Conclusion
In under an hour, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies come together with ease and fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma only homemade baking can bring. You’ll love how soft and tender they turn outjust like a sweet holiday hug on a plate.
Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping sprinkles for chopped nuts to mix things up. A tip I picked up from my aunt: gently reheat leftovers to bring back that irresistible gooey center. And remember, these cookies freeze beautifully, so you can keep a stash handy.
I’d love to heardid your family have a similar holiday treat that means home to you? Snap a pic, share your story, or tuck this recipe away for cozy moments with loved ones. Baking memories like these? That’s what it’s all about.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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