Delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
A Festive Twist on Classic Cake Mix Cookies
If you’re looking to add a magical touch to your holiday cookie lineup, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are just what you need.
These cookies combine the convenience of a cake mix with the richness of cream cheese, delivering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite.
Perfectly festive with colorful holiday sprinkles, they’re an effortless way to impress family, friends, or cookie exchange crowds.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re baking for a cozy weeknight treat or a bustling holiday party, these cookies strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- electric mixer
- rubber spatula
- baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in holiday sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Roll dough into 1½-inch balls and coat each in powdered sugar.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Using a boxed cake mix keeps the prep straightforward without sacrificing flavor.
- Soft and Gooey Texture: Thanks to cream cheese, these cookies are irresistibly tender and rich.
- Festive and Fun: Holiday sprinkles add a cheerful pop of color that instantly screams Christmas.
- Quick Baking Time: Ready in just about 20 minutes, ideal for last-minute baking.
- Great for Sharing: Makes about 32 cookies perfect for gifting or large gatherings.
- Flexible and Adaptable: Swap out sprinkles or add nuts to tailor to your taste.
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter 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 (choose your favorite festive colors)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Substitution Tips: for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Use light cream cheese for a lighter option, though full-fat gives the best texture.
If you prefer, vanilla or almond cake mix can replace yellow.
Non-dairy butter substitutes can work to make these dairy-free.
Swap sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Prep and Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. - Add Cake Mix:
Stir in the yellow cake mix until thick dough forms. It should be soft but workable. - Fold in Sprinkles:
Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough avoid overmixing to keep the colors from bleeding. - Chill the Dough:
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps keep cookies from spreading too much as they bake. - Shape and Coat:
Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, giving each cookie a delicious sugary crust. - Bake:
Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 103 kcal per cookie
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let thaw at room temperature for the best texture. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a soft, fresh-baked feel.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Serve these gooey butter cookies alongside a warm mug of eggnog, spiced cider, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday vibe. Garnish with extra sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for an extra festive look.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ons
Add a half cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warming twist.
Swap sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candy for different holiday vibes.
Drizzle cooled cookies with white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Mastered this recipe? Try the rest of our delicious cookie lineup in the full guide.
Ready to make your holidays extra sweet and effortless? Try these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies today and discover more delicious, easy-to-make recipes that bring festive joy to your kitchen! Click here to get more festive baking ideas that your family and friends will love
To ensure your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just delicious but also safely prepared, check out the USDA’s expert baking and food safety tips. Ready to bake with confidence? Dive into this festive recipe and create holiday cookies everyone will love!
What makes these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies different from regular cookies?
These cookies use a yellow cake mix and cream cheese in the dough, giving them a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets them apart from traditional crisp cookies.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While the recipe calls for yellow cake mix, vanilla or funfetti cake mixes work well and add a festive twist.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?
Fold the sprinkles into the dough gently and avoid overmixing to maintain their vibrant colors.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, helps with handling and enhances flavor.
How should I store the cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Cultural and Contextual Note Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Gooey butter cake originated in St. Louis as a beloved dessert, mixing simple pantry ingredients to create a rich, soft treat. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies put a seasonal spin on that classic comfort food, transforming the gooey delight into bite-sized festive cookies perfect for holiday baking traditions.
