Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of festive cheer and sweet indulgence. With their soft and gooey texture, they are a delightful treat for cookie exchanges or holiday parties. Made with cream cheese, these cookies melt in your mouth and can easily be customized with colorful sprinkles to enhance their holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or just indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Irresistible Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives these cookies a soft and gooey interior that is hard to resist.
• Festive Appeal: Holiday sprinkles add a pop of color, making them attractive for any festive occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 32 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for sharing at holiday cookie exchanges or parties.
• Versatile Flavor: While delicious as-is, you can experiment with different cake mixes or mix-ins for unique flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures your ingredients blend smoothly for that signature gooey texture.
• Mixing bowls: Provides space to combine your ingredients without any mess.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking and easy transfer of cookies from oven to cooling rack.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie 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

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How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
2. ½ cup of softened unsalted butter
3. 1 large egg
4. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in:
1. 1 box of yellow cake mix

Continue mixing until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Add Sprinkles

Gently fold in:
1. ½ cup of holiday sprinkles

Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep the colors vibrant.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step makes it easier to handle when shaping into cookie balls.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out portions of dough using a cookie scoop:
1. Roll each portion into a ball about 1½ inches in diameter.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats!

By following this simple guide, you’ll have perfectly baked Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ready to share with family and friends!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. These soft, festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. Here are some serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even more enjoyable.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Cocoa: Pair your cookies with a rich cup of hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
• Coffee: Enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
• Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Combine your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with other holiday cookies for a colorful dessert platter.
• Cheese Board: Add these cookies to a cheese board along with fruits and nuts for an unexpected twist.

For Holiday Gift Giving

• Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in festive boxes with ribbons for thoughtful holiday gifts.
• Cookie Jars: Fill glass jars with these cookies and decorate them for a charming homemade gift.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To make your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies even better, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cream cheese and butter for optimal flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in sprinkles to maintain their color and integrity in the cookie dough.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center.
• Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: For extra sweetness, roll the chilled dough balls in powdered sugar both before and after baking.

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Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Serving side dishes alongside your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies can elevate your holiday spread. Consider these delicious options that pair well with these sweet treats.

1. Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat that adds a festive touch to your dessert table.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of cookies.
3. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a rich contrast to gooey butter cookies.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination makes for a perfect snack alongside cookies.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Offer a variety of mini cupcakes for guests who want additional dessert options.
6. Spiced Nuts: Provide an earthy crunch that complements the soft texture of gooey butter cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies and unwanted color bleeding from sprinkles. Mix just until combined.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese and butter won’t blend well, leading to lumps in your dough. Ensure both are at room temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Place cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; enjoy them warm and gooey!
• Stovetop: Place cookies on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies even more festive?

You can add different colored holiday sprinkles or mix in chocolate chips for added flavor.

Can I use other cake mixes to make gooey butter cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix like chocolate or red velvet.

How long do Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies last?

These cookies last up to 3 days at room temperature when stored correctly, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What is the texture of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

They are soft, chewy, and have a melt-in-your-mouth quality thanks to the cream cheese!

Final Thoughts

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their soft texture and festive appearance make them perfect for any holiday gathering. You can customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins or using different cake mixes, allowing you to create a unique treat every time. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful holiday cookie experience!

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