Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any holiday gathering. With their rich, creamy texture and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. The combination of cream cheese and cake mix ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Irresistible Flavor: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and gooey texture that is both unique and delicious.
• Festive Appearance: Bright holiday sprinkles add a fun touch, making these cookies visually appealing for any celebration.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with different sprinkles or flavor extracts to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 32 cookies in one batch, they’re ideal for holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter quickly by mixing the cream cheese and butter thoroughly.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking, ensuring your cookies come off the baking sheet easily without any mess.

Ingredients

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies require just a few simple 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

• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. Cream cheese
2. Unsalted butter
3. Egg
4. Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Cake Mix

Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix, mixing until you have a thick dough.

Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the colors vibrant.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

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

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop out the chilled dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each scoop into 1½-inch balls and then roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft for that gooey texture.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these festive treats at your next gathering or keep them all to yourself!

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Their soft, chewy texture and festive appearance make them a delightful treat that everyone will love. Here are some fun ways to serve them.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange a variety of cookies, including Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, on a large platter for a stunning dessert table display.

Milk Pairing

• Serve your cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creamy milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies nicely.

Holiday Gift Baskets

• Package these cookies in decorative bags or boxes as part of holiday gift baskets for friends and family.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a cookie decorating station where guests can add their own sprinkles or icing to personalize their cookies.

Festive Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Fill with your favorite ice cream flavor for a tasty twist.

How to Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, follow these simple tips for perfect cookies every time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently folding in the sprinkles ensures they stay colorful and vibrant without bleeding into the dough.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: For an extra sweet touch, roll the cookie balls in powdered sugar both before and after baking.

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Best Side Dishes for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Consider serving them alongside these treats:

1. Eggnog: A classic holiday drink, eggnog adds a creamy sweetness that complements the gooey texture of the cookies.
2. Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate is perfect for dipping cookies, creating a warm and cozy dessert experience.
3. Fruitcake: A slice of traditional fruitcake brings additional festive flavors that balance well with gooey butter cookies.
4. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses with crackers can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with soft cookies.
6. Candied Pecans: Sweet and crunchy, candied pecans make an excellent accompaniment that enhances holiday flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cookie rather than the desired gooey texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the dough can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles. Overmixing can lead to color bleeding and an unappealing look.
• Skipping parchment paper: Baking directly on sheets can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements, especially with cake mix and powdered sugar, for perfect cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Place cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes or until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for a minute or two, flipping them halfway through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, along with their answers.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate or red velvet mixes for unique flavors.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add different toppings?

Absolutely! You can customize your cookies by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or using festive icing instead of sprinkles.

How should I store leftover cookies?

For optimal freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them as described above.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or sprinkles to create a festive masterpiece that everyone will love!