Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive twist on the classic gooey butter cookie, made with cake mix for convenience and cream cheese for an irresistibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Lightly coated in powdered sugar and packed with colorful holiday sprinkles, they are the perfect treat for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fireplace.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Uses cake mix for a simple, no-fuss dough.
• Soft & Chewy – The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, gooey texture.
• Festive & Fun – Holiday sprinkles add a pop of color and cheer.
• Perfect for Gifting – Great for cookie tins and Christmas platters.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well, so you can prepare in advance.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools & Equipment

• Electric Mixer – Ensures a smooth and well-combined dough.
• Mixing Bowls – A large bowl for the dough and a smaller one for powdered sugar.
• Spatula – Helps fold in the sprinkles gently.
• Cookie Scoop – Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Baking Sheets – Two standard-size baking sheets to bake in batches.
• Wire Rack – Allows cookies to cool properly.

Preparation Tips

• Use softened butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Gently fold in sprinkles to avoid color bleeding.
• Coat cookies evenly in powdered sugar for a classic crinkle effect.

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Ingredients

• 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
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Gradually stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
5. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to avoid color bleeding.

Step 2: Chill & Roll

6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps with handling and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
7. Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon.
8. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 3: Bake & Cool

9. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are versatile and pair well with a variety of drinks and desserts. Whether you are serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a cozy treat, here are some great ways to enhance their flavors and presentation.

Beverages to Pair With

• Hot Chocolate – The creamy, chocolatey richness balances the sweet, buttery flavor of the cookies.
• Eggnog – A classic holiday drink that complements the spiced sweetness of the cookies.
• Coffee or Espresso – The slightly bitter notes of coffee contrast beautifully with the cookies’ sugary coating.
• Milk – A traditional and simple pairing that enhances the cookies’ soft texture.
• Spiced Apple Cider – The warm spices in cider add depth to the festive flavors.

Desserts to Serve Alongside

• Peppermint Bark – The minty crunch adds a refreshing contrast to the cookies.
• Sugar Cookies – Offering different textures and flavors creates variety on a dessert platter.
• Cheesecake Bites – The tangy richness of cheesecake pairs well with the sweet, buttery cookies.
• Brownies – The fudgy chocolate flavor complements the soft, gooey texture of the cookies.

Presentation Tips

• Festive Platter – Arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed tray with sprigs of rosemary or sugared cranberries for a decorative touch.
• Gift Packaging – Stack the cookies in a clear bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Cookie Exchange Spread – Display alongside other holiday cookies for a colorful and inviting presentation.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure perfect cookies every time.

Skipping the Chilling Step

If the dough is not chilled, the cookies may spread too much and lose their shape. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and bake evenly.

Overmixing the Sprinkles

Folding in the sprinkles too aggressively can cause the colors to bleed into the dough, resulting in a messy appearance. Gently stir them in just until they are evenly distributed.

Using Melted Butter Instead of Softened Butter

Melted butter will make the dough too wet, leading to flat cookies. Softened butter ensures a thick, scoopable dough that holds its shape during baking.

Overbaking the Cookies

These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven. Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly texture rather than the intended gooey consistency. They will continue to set as they cool.

Not Coating the Dough Balls Evenly in Powdered Sugar

Rolling the dough balls in a generous layer of powdered sugar ensures the classic crinkle effect. Skipping this step or applying too little sugar can result in a less visually appealing cookie.

Storing the Cookies Incorrectly

Leaving the cookies uncovered will cause them to dry out quickly. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.

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Recipe Tips for the Best Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese

For the best texture, always use full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat or fat-free versions contain more moisture, which can affect the dough’s consistency and make the cookies less rich and creamy.

Measure Ingredients Accurately

Use the scoop-and-level method when measuring dry ingredients like cake mix. Overpacking the mix can lead to a denser dough, altering the cookies’ texture.

Don’t Skip the Chilling Step

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 15 minutes before rolling.

Bake on the Middle Rack

For even baking, place the cookie sheets on the middle rack of the oven. This prevents the bottoms from browning too quickly while allowing the tops to set properly.

Let the Cookies Cool Properly

Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Moving them too soon can cause them to break apart since they are very soft when first removed from the oven.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If storing for longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

How to Freeze

• Freezing Baked Cookies: Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Unbaked Dough: Scoop the dough into balls (without rolling in powdered sugar) and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.

How to Reheat

If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. Avoid overheating, as this can make them dry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?

Yes. Yellow cake mix provides a classic buttery flavor, but other varieties like white, red velvet, or chocolate cake mix can be used for different variations.

Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Ensure that the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid placing cookie dough on a hot baking sheet.

Can I Make These Without a Mixer?

Yes, but it requires more effort. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until smooth. Cream cheese and butter should be very soft to make mixing easier.

Can I Reduce the Sugar?

The cake mix already contains sugar, so reducing the powdered sugar for rolling will not affect the structure of the cookies. However, they may not have the classic crinkle appearance.

How Can I Make These More Festive?

Use different colored sprinkles for other holidays, drizzle with white chocolate, or add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday treat—soft, chewy, and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, they are an ideal choice for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, and homemade gifts. The combination of cream cheese and cake mix creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies truly irresistible.

By following key tips like chilling the dough, using full-fat cream cheese, and baking just until the edges are set, you can achieve the perfect gooey butter cookie every time. Whether paired with a warm drink, served on a holiday dessert platter, or enjoyed on their own, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any celebration.

Make a batch this season and share the holiday spirit with family and friends. With their festive look and delicious flavor, these cookies are sure to become a Christmas tradition in your home.