Irresistibly Gooey Butter Cookies Perfect for Your Christmas Baking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If there’s one cookie that deserves a permanent spot on your holiday baking list, it’s these gooey butter cookies. They’re soft, buttery, sweet, and practically melt in your mouth. Imagine the cozy flavor of a classic butter cake—now make it delightfully portable in cookie form.

But it’s not just their flavor that will win you over. These cookies are:

Quick and easy to make: No fancy techniques, no chilling required.
Made with cake mix: That’s right—less mess, fewer ingredients, but all the decadence.
Great for gifting: Wrap them up for neighbors, teachers, or holiday cookie exchanges.
Kid-friendly: Even little bakers can help make these festive treats.
Customizable: Add sprinkles, citrus zest, or even crushed peppermint for a twist.

Isn’t it the best when a dessert feels like a warm hug in cookie form?

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before you dive into mixing and baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Luckily, you won’t need anything exotic for this easy butter cookie recipe.

Large mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes mixing smooth and easy.
Spatula or wooden spoon – For scraping the bowl and spreading goodness.
Measuring cups and spoons – Precise measurements are key.
Baking sheet – Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Cookie scoop (optional) – For uniform, bakery-style cookies.
Cooling rack – So your cookies don’t continue baking on the tray.

Having these tools ready ahead of time will make the baking experience smooth and stress-free.

Preparation Tips

Want picture-perfect cookies with gooey centers and crisp edges? Here are a few pro tips to level-up your baking game:

Soften your cream cheese and butter beforehand. Cold ingredients won’t blend properly and may cause a lumpy dough.
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Not only does it help prevent sticking, but it also encourages even baking.
Sift the cake mix. It’s optional, but sifting helps get rid of any clumps.
Don’t overbake. The cookies may look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they’ll continue baking from the residual heat. That’s what keeps them so gooey.
Chill the dough (optional). If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a puffier result and easier rolling into powdered sugar.

Little tricks like these go a long way in giving you bakery-quality results with minimal fuss.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these gooey, buttery holiday cookies:

1 box (15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 egg (room temperature, if possible)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Ingredient Notes:

– If you don’t have yellow cake mix, white cake mix will work too—but you’ll get a slightly milder flavor.
– Make sure your cream cheese is at room temp for easy mixing.
– You can replace vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist.

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps and you’ll have buttery Christmas cookies in no time.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is silky.
Gradually add the cake mix. Mix on low speed to avoid throwing powder everywhere. Continue until a soft dough forms—it’ll be thick and sticky.
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions. A cookie scoop helps keep sizes consistent.
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should be puffy with slightly cracked tops. They may look a little soft—that’s okay!
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Final result: soft, gooey centers with snowy white, sugary tops. A holiday dream!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy recipes can take a turn if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients. Cold butter or cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and can leave your dough lumpy.
Overbaking. These cookies are meant to be soft. If they brown too much, they’ll lose their gooey magic.
Skipping the powdered sugar coating. That final roll adds flavor, texture, and mid-century charm.
Exception: Too much mixing after the cake mix. Overmixing can toughen the cookies. Mix just until combined.

Remember: soft and slightly underbaked is the goal here!

Best Side Dishes

Looking to create the ultimate Christmas dessert table? These gooey butter cookies pair perfectly with:

Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha: The creamy sweetness of the cookies balances beautifully with rich, warm drinks.
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing citrus or berry bowl can lighten up the dessert spread.
Buttery shortbread or gingersnaps: Hosting a cookie sampler? Add different textures with crunchy cookies.
Eggnog or mulled cider: Cozy drinks with warm spices pair well with the buttery vanilla flavor.

You could even add them to a winter charcuterie board for a sweet surprise. Why not?

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to put your own spin on this holiday favorite? Try these creative (and tasty!) ideas:

Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy contrast to the sweet richness.
Fold in mini white chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or festive sprinkles to make them more holiday-themed.
Mimic red velvet flavor: Use red velvet cake mix and dust the final cookies with a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa.
Make ahead tip: Scoop and roll the dough balls (unbaked) and freeze on a baking tray. Bake frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the time.
For crisp edges: Bake your cookies a little longer for golden edges and a more caramelized flavor.

Play around and make them your own—baking is part science, part art, after all.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These cookies are just as delicious the next day (or even the next week!) with proper storage:

To store:

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Want to keep them longer? Freeze them!

To freeze:

Place in zip-top bags or a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

Microwave one cookie for 8–10 seconds to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven gooeyness.
Or, warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes.

Trust us—nothing beats biting into a warm one with melted sugar clinging to your fingers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix. Make sure the other ingredients, like powdered sugar, are gluten-free too.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s optional. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents over-spreading, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

3. Why are my cookies flat?

This could be due to warm dough or expired baking mix. Chilling the dough helps, and make sure your baking mix is still active.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This dough doubles beautifully. Just make sure to mix in a large bowl and bake in batches.

5. Are these cookies freezer friendly?

Yes, they freeze very well. Just let them cool completely before freezing and thaw at room temperature—or pop in the microwave for a warm treat.

Final Thoughts

Holiday baking is about more than following recipes—it’s about creating memories, sharing warmth, and indulging in treats that bring people together. These gooey butter cookies check every box. They’re easy to make, stunning to serve, and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just a quiet night by the fire, these cookies deliver the indulgence and nostalgia we all crave during the holidays.

Have you tried this recipe yet? Feel free to leave a comment below or share your own twist! And don’t forget to check out our other holiday baking favorites like Classic Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Happy baking, and may your kitchen smell amazing all season long! 🍪🎄

— Ready to make this your most delicious Christmas yet? Give these gooey wonders a try!