Irresistible Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe to Savor
Ah, Christmas time! It’s that magical season filled with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the delightful scent of sugar cookies wafting through the house. Growing up, my family had a beautiful tradition—every year, we would gather in the kitchen, flour dusting our noses, laughter ringing out as we baked together. Some of my fondest memories revolve around that kitchen chaos, and guess what? One of our favorite treats was always these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with a sweet, buttery goodness that truly melts in your mouth!
If you’ve never had a gooey butter cookie, you’re in for a treat. Their texture is almost like a soft, dreamy cloud, and when you bite into one, it’s as if you’ve just taken a sweet little holiday trip! These cookies not only bring back those heartwarming memories for me but are also incredibly easy to make. So gather your friends and family, because you’re going to want to whip up a batch (or two!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies come together in no time!
- Decadent taste: A delicious mix of buttery sweetness and gooey texture that is simply irresistible.
- Holiday spirit: Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the flavor or decorations to match your festive vibes!
Ingredients
Ready to make some holiday magic? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (about 1 cup)
- A pinch of salt
- Note: Using fresh ingredients (like farm-fresh eggs) can make these cookies even tastier!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part—baking!
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you give it a little time to warm up while you prepare the dough.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until everything is smooth. Watch out: Don’t overmix, or your cookies can turn out tough!
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough to set and makes it easier to scoop.
- Prep the baking sheet: While the dough chills, grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze and help those cookies to bake evenly.
- Scoop the dough: After 30 minutes, take the dough out of the fridge. Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop generous tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Pop them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should look lightly golden, but the center will remain soft and slightly gooey. Tip: They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t be tempted to bake them until they’re rock solid.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, dust with powdered sugar for that snowy, winter wonderland look.
Pro Tips & Variations
Now, let’s have some fun with this recipe! Here are some playful twists you can try:
- Add flavor: Mix in zest from an orange or lemon for a fresh, citrusy zing!
- Change the frosting: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the top.
- Spice it up: Incorporating some cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm holiday spice vibe to these cookies!
- Chocolate lovers: Swap out the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for an extra gooey chocolate treat!
Serving Suggestions
Imagine this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’ve just made a fresh batch of these gooey butter cookies. Picture cozying up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, or sharing them with family around the dinner table while you recount your favorite holiday memories. These cookies are fabulous on their own but also pair splendidly with:
- Warm glasses of milk (the classic combo!)
- Rich coffee or espresso for an afternoon pick-me-up
- Ice cream, to make a decadent dessert sandwich
- Sliced fruits, like strawberries or orange segments, to add a refreshing touch
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? First of all, let’s be real—these cookies rarely last long, but if by some miracle they do, I’ve got a few tips for storing them:
- Refrigerator: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before packing them away!
- Freezer: You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: For that fresh-baked feel, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go. Everyone deserves a bite of these delicious cookies, right?
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can replace it with ricotta cheese for a different but still creamy result. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture!
How can I store the cookies if I’m giving them as gifts?
Oh, what a lovely idea! For gifting, stack them in a festive tin or box, layering parchment paper between the cookies. This will keep them fresh and looking beautiful. Don’t forget to add a little note with baking tips or memory!
Can I add mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Throw in some chocolate chips, crushed peppermint pieces, or even chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. Just keep any additions balanced so the texture of the cookie remains wonderfully gooey.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! They’re more than just cookies; they’re little packages of joy that will surely spread holiday warmth and cheer. So, roll up those sleeves, mood music on, and let’s bake up some delightful memories together! I’d love to hear how yours turn out—feel free to comment below with any thoughts or pictures of your delicious creations!
Print
Irresistible Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Make delightful Christmas gooey butter cookies with this easy recipe Enjoy the rich flavors and soft texture that are perfect for the holidays
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with buttery goodness, perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipes