Oh my goodness, you guys! Have I got a treat for you that’s bound to sweeten your holiday season: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Picture this: soft, gooey cookies bursting with flavor, and they look as cheerful as a snowman in a holiday parade thanks to those festive sprinkles. I whip these up every year when I need a little holiday magic, and trust me, they’re always a hit.
I distinctly remember the first time I made these cookies. I was getting ready for a Christmas cookie exchange, and I needed something that could outshine the fierce competition. With one bite of these heavenly, buttery delights, I knew I had struck gold! The gooey center and sweet powdered sugar coating just felt like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Since then, they’ve become my go-to recipe to spread joy (and sugar) during the holidays, and today I’m thrilled to share my secret with you!
What’s in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Let’s dive into the ingredient list that makes these cookies so magical:
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the star of the show, adding sweetness and structure. I usually go for any standard brand, but I’ve found Betty Crocker’s works wonderfully.
Cream Cheese: This gives them that iconic gooey texture. Make sure it’s softened so it blends beautifully into the dough.
Unsalted Butter: This adds rich flavor – butter makes everything better, right? Just remember to let it soften a bit before mixing.
Eggs: The binding agent that helps hold these cookies together. Fresh is always best, so grab a couple from the fridge!
Vanilla Extract: The aroma alone is enough to get you in the festive spirit. I like using pure vanilla for a cleaner flavor.
Almond Extract (optional): This is my little secret weapon. A splash of almond extract takes the flavor to a new level of deliciousness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it.
Powdered Sugar: This coats the cookies and gives them that sweet finish. You might want to keep extra on hand because it’s just so fun to roll them in!
Festive Sprinkles: Because what’s a holiday cookie without a little color? I love using red and green for that classic Christmas vibe.
Is Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Good for You?
Now, I’m no dietitian, but let’s be real: these cookies are a treat! So let’s talk about the goodies wrapped up in this sweet package.
Cream Cheese provides some calcium and protein, giving you a bit of a boost. Though these cookies are certainly not health food, enjoying them in moderation during the holidays can be a delightful way to indulge.
However, if you have dietary restrictions, like gluten intolerance, keep in mind that the cake mix typically contains gluten. But don’t fret! There are fantastic gluten-free cake mixes available these days that you can use as a substitute.
Enough talk about health—let’s move onto the fun part!
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking. No one likes a cookie catastrophe!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
3. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the mixture. Continue mixing until everything is fully blended. It smells SO GOOD already!
4. Gradually mix the yellow cake mix into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms. Make sure you incorporate it all. No dry bits allowed!
5. Gently fold in the festive sprinkles. This part makes me feel like an artist, adding a splash of color to a canvas!
6. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls.
7. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. It’s messy, but the best kind of messy—just be ready to lick your fingers!
8. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They are going to spread out a bit!
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Trust me on this—avoid overbaking; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try your hardest to wait before sampling—I dare you!
Let’s Make These Festive Cookies Shine!
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and are wonderfully soft and gooey, which is truly what makes them so delightful. To store leftovers (if there are any!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For an extra festive touch, feel free to toss a few more sprinkles on top before baking, or even drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies!
I can’t wait for you to try these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Bake them for your family, share them with friends, or just tuck in all by yourself (no judgment here!). Don’t forget to share your cookie creations with me—I love hearing your stories and seeing your festive treats! Happy baking!
