Irresistible Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies for Holiday Baking Bliss

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a cookie that’s festive, foolproof, and so delicious they’ll vanish off the plate? These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are exactly what your holiday dessert table needs.

Why are they such a hit? Well…

Incredibly soft and gooey: They practically melt in your mouth with every bite.
Minimal ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples plus a cake mix.
Quick to prepare: From mixing bowl to oven in under 10 minutes!
Customizable: Add sprinkles, color the dough, or switch up the cake mix flavor.
Fun and festive: Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, baking with kids, or giving as gifts.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, these cookies are easy to love—and even easier to bake. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a holiday staple.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before preheating your oven, gather these simple kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls – One medium, one large
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – For creaming the butter and cream cheese
Rubber spatula – Great for scraping down the sides of bowls
Baking sheet – Preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper
Parchment paper – For a mess-free baking experience
Cookie scoop – Ensures your cookies are uniform in size
Cooling rack – Helps cookies cool evenly without overbaking

Preparation Tips

Set yourself up for cookie success with these smart tricks:

Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese blend better, resulting in a fluffier dough.
Chill the dough: If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes.
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Roll in powdered sugar generously: Don’t skimp! A thick coating gives that pretty crinkle effect after baking.
Prep ahead: You can mix the dough a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Or try red velvet or funfetti for a festive twist
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Optional, but adds depth of flavor
½ to 1 cup powdered sugar – For rolling the dough balls
Optional: Red and green sprinkles or food coloring for extra flair

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to bake up some merry magic? Here’s how to make these buttery, gooey, holiday-perfect cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
Stir in the cake mix a little at a time. The dough will be thick and sticky—this is what makes it gooey later!
If using food coloring or sprinkles for the dough, fold them in now.
Chill the dough: Place it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes if it’s too sticky to handle.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form 1-inch balls of dough and roll them generously in powdered sugar.
Place each dough ball onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are set and cracked but still soft to the touch. Don’t overbake!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have their quirks! Here’s what to watch out for:

Overbaking: These cookies should be soft and a little underdone when they come out. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Using cold butter or cream cheese: It won’t mix smoothly, which can affect texture.
Not coating enough in powdered sugar: Skimpy rolling means less crinkle and visual appeal.
Baking without parchment paper: These cookies are naturally soft and sticky, so they need a non-stick surface.
Forgetting to chill the dough: Overly warm dough can spread too much and lose its shape.

Best Side Dishes

While cookies are usually a treat on their own, they shine even brighter alongside companion treats. Try serving them with:

Hot cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows: The gooey cookie and creamy cocoa combo is dreamy.
Eggnog: This rich holiday beverage pairs beautifully with buttery cookies.
Christmas fruit salad: The bright, citrusy flavors contrast the cookie’s sweetness nicely.
Peppermint bark or chocolate-dipped pretzels: A crunchy balance to the super-soft cookies.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to take your cookies from great to unforgettable? Try these pro-level tricks:

Switch up the cake mix: Use red velvet for a festive red hue, or lemon for a zesty surprise.
Add a dash of almond or peppermint extract: Just ¼ teaspoon for a flavor twist.
Fold in white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candy: Adds texture and extra sweetness.
Dip the edges in melted chocolate for a decorative and indulgent upgrade.
Double the batch: Trust us. These disappear fast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To keep your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies as fresh and tasty as the day you baked them:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze the dough: Roll into balls and freeze on a pan; once frozen, stash in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat briefly: For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, microwave a cookie for about 8–10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?

Yes! Just make sure your recipe yields about 15.25 oz of dry mix. Adjust sugar or flour if needed to match texture.

Why is the dough sticky?

It’s supposed to be! That’s part of what makes the cookies super gooey inside. Chill it for easier handling.

Do I need to refrigerate the cookies after baking?

Not necessary unless you’re storing them long-term. They’re totally safe and delicious at room temp.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use a gluten-free cake mix—plenty of store-bought options work 1:1.

How do I make them more festive?

Holiday sprinkles, red or green food coloring, crushed peppermints, or even a drizzle of white chocolate can dress them up in style.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about whipping up a batch of warm, gooey cookies on a chilly December night. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect way to spread a little sweetness (and joy!) this season.

Whether you’re gift-giving, baking with family, or just indulging yourself (hey, you deserve it!), these cookies are a seasonal must-have.

Give them a try and let the holiday cheer follow. 🎄

Have your own twist or tip? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out!

And while you’re in the baking spirit, don’t miss my other holiday favorites like Soft Gingerbread Cookies or Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. 🌟

Happy baking—and happiest holidays!