Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

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These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are little bites of holiday magic. Soft and tender with a crackly sugar-dusted top, each bite melts in your mouth like snowflakes on your tongue. They’re made with cake mix, cream cheese, and butter, which means they’re fuss-free but taste like something grandma would make from scratch.

These cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason. The texture is irresistibly gooey in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and covered in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. They come together quickly, and the red and green sprinkles make them festive enough for any Christmas gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

This recipe is a holiday lifesaver. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or need a sweet treat for Santa, these cookies fit the bill. They’re simple to prepare, only require a handful of ingredients, and keep well if you want to make them ahead. Plus, the festive flair from the sprinkles makes them instantly cheerful.

Can I Use Any Cake Mix Flavor For This Recipe?

Yes, but yellow cake mix gives the best classic gooey butter cookie flavor. You can experiment with other flavors like red velvet or funfetti for a twist, but if you’re aiming for that traditional taste with the nostalgic holiday vibe, stick with yellow.

Ingredients for the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

The magic behind these cookies lies in the combination of simple pantry ingredients. These few essentials work together to create a buttery, rich, and delightfully soft cookie.

• Yellow cake mix
• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Christmas sprinkles

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the texture and flavor. The yellow cake mix serves as a shortcut base that provides sweetness and fluff. Cream cheese adds tang and that signature gooey middle. Butter brings richness and moisture, while the egg helps bind everything. A touch of vanilla warms up the flavor, powdered sugar gives them their snow-dusted look, and sprinkles turn them into instant holiday stars.

How To Make the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

Step 2: Mix in the Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet mixture and beat until everything is fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky, so chill it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Shape and Roll

Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until generously coated.

Step 4: Add the Festive Touch

Gently press a few Christmas sprinkles into each dough ball for that seasonal sparkle.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store These Gooey Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa or milk. They’re perfect for gifting too—pack them in a festive tin or box with parchment paper between layers. This recipe makes about 24 cookies, so it’s great for sharing.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

What to Serve With Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

These gooey cookies beg to be served with a rich mug of cocoa topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream.

Peppermint Mocha Latte

The coffee and chocolate combo enhances the cookie’s buttery richness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Pair the warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Eggnog

Creamy and spiced, it’s a classic holiday drink that pairs well with these cookies.

Festive Fruit Platter

Add a bit of freshness with sliced pears, apples, and red grapes on the side.

Sparkling Cranberry Punch

For a party setting, this bright punch balances the cookie’s sweetness.

Cheddar Cheese Plate

A little savory sharpness from the cheese can surprisingly complement the rich cookies.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, don’t miss out on more cookie inspiration like:

• Peggi’s Gigantic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies
• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight
• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use red velvet mix or stick with yellow? Did you add extra sparkle with edible glitter?

I love hearing how others make these cookies their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a joyful blend of ease and indulgence. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie swap or treating yourself to something sweet, they’re guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Simple, stunning, and full of buttery magic—this is a recipe worth repeating every season.

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