Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cups unsalted butter (softened); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract (preferably pure); 1 box white cake mix (base ingredient); 0.25 cups sprinkles (colorful, festive); 0.5 cups confectioner's sugar (for coating)

As the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through my kitchen, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly holiday evening. Enter the Easy Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies—my secret weapon for festive gatherings that impress without the stress. With just a cake mix as the base, these melt-in-your-mouth treats bring all the joy of holiday cookie baking without the fuss, making them the perfect choice for busy schedules and last-minute parties. Not only are they delightfully simple to make, but once you take a bite, you’ll discover their soft, chewy texture is pure bliss. Ready to make your holiday season a little sweeter? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: You’ll adore how these cookies practically dissolve in your mouth, leaving a delightful flavor lingering on your palate.
Ease of Preparation: The recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike who seek a quick fix.
Festive Appeal: Adorned with colorful sprinkles, these cookies brighten any holiday gathering, elevating your dessert table effortlessly.
Endless Variations: Feel free to swap in different cake mix flavors or add fun mix-ins like chocolate chips to create your signature twist.
Sharing is Caring: Bake a batch to fill festive cookie tins or gift trays, and watch them disappear at every holiday event! For more delightful cookie ideas, try my Chocolate Chip Cookies or add a twist with Chocolate Oat Cookies.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce added salt.
Cream Cheese – Provides a rich, creamy texture and flavor; full-fat cream cheese yields the best results.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent for moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
White Cake Mix – Forms the base of the cookie dough, with structure and sweetness; this is the key ingredient that makes these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies effortless.
Sprinkles – Adds festive color and fun; use seasonal colors to match the holiday theme.
Confectioner’s Sugar – Used for rolling cookies to give extra sweetness and a delightful appearance.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Next, add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated. Gradually blend in 1 box of white cake mix, ensuring there are no dry pockets, until your cookie dough is formed and thick.

Step 2: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in ¼ cup of colorful sprinkles to the dough, infusing it with a festive touch. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you prefer to prepare it in advance. Chilling the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies dough is important for achieving that perfect, gooey texture and preventing spread while baking.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will make it easy to remove the cookies after baking. While the oven heats, take out the chilled dough and scoop rounded tablespoons, rolling them into balls using your hands for a neat shape.

Step 4: Coat Cookies
Before baking, roll each cookie dough ball in a mixture of confectioner’s sugar and additional sprinkles for an extra sweet and colorful exterior. Make sure each ball is well coated, as this will enhance the delightful appearance of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, creating a sugary crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft center.

Step 5: Bake Cookies
Arrange the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until they are just set and the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as the goal is a chewy center and a soft texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. This step helps them firm up slightly. After, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container to keep that incredible gooeyness intact!

What to Serve with Easy Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

As the festive season approaches, pair these delectable cookies with delightful sides that complement their rich flavors and add a burst of joy to your celebrations.

Hot Cocoa: The perfect cozy drink to sip alongside these cookies, chocolatey warmth enhances the festive spirit while balancing the buttery sweetness.
Eggnog: Indulge in this traditional holiday beverage; its creamy texture pairs beautifully with the chewy, gooey cookies.
Fruit Salad: Fresh berries and citrus fruits bring brightness and zest, beautifully contrasting the rich flavors of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese adds a lovely creamy element that balances sweetness.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or peppermint ice cream makes a sublime pairing that elevates the dessert experience.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a cookie platter that celebrates the season, serve alongside gingerbread for a sweet and spicy variety.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing drink adds a festive fizz; its crispness complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels enveloped in chocolate offers a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet cookies.
Nut And Dried Fruit Mix: A healthy snack option that provides crunch and richness, balancing the sweetness while adding festive colors.

Storage Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, keeping them soft and chewy.

Fridge: For extended freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks; just allow them to reach room temperature before serving again.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating: If desired, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture and warmth.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Variations

Get ready to make these delightful cookies your own with a few easy swaps and additions that will tantalize your taste buds!

Flavor Swap: Try using chocolate or red velvet cake mix for a fun twist that changes the flavor profile entirely.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch that complements the gooey texture beautifully. The contrast in texture will elevate your cookies to a new level!
Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra sweetness and decadence. These gooey bites will be the star of your holiday cookie tray!
Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor. The warm spices will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas that feel like a holiday hug.
Dried Fruit: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity pop and a lovely chewiness that pairs well with the creamy butter texture. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite!
Less Sweet: Reduce the confectioner’s sugar on top for a less sweet cookie that still offers all the flavor. Perfect for those who prefer a milder taste without sacrificing the festive spirit.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to cater to gluten-sensitive guests while maintaining the lovely gooey texture everyone loves.
Decorate with Frosting: After cooling, top your cookies with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an even richer treat that takes them over the top. You’ll want to stock up on these at every gathering!

No matter how you choose to personalize your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, they’ll surely be a hit! And for more sweet inspirations, check out my Chocolate Oat Cookies for another fantastic holiday treat.

Expert Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Properly Softened Ingredients: Room temperature butter and cream cheese make mixing easier and ensure a uniform cookie texture. Don’t skip this step!
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour will prevent spreading and help achieve that gooey center, essential for your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Avoid Overbaking: Aim for a lightly golden edge and a soft center; they will continue to firm up while cooling. Trust the timing!
Mix-ins Galore: Feel free to experiment with chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist—these additions elevate your classic gooey butter treat!
Storing Leftovers: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer enjoyment.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a lifesaver for busy holiday seasons! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix your ingredients and refrigerate the dough covered with plastic wrap. Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent spreading during baking for that perfect gooey texture. If you’re looking to prep even further ahead, freeze the dough; scoop it into balls, coat them in sprinkles, and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven directly and enjoy fresh, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with minimal effort!

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cake mix should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any brand of white cake mix as it serves as the base for the cookies. However, if you want to play around, feel free to try different flavors like chocolate or funfetti for a delightful twist.

How should I store my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
For optimal freshness, keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you find them disappearing quickly, refrigerate them for about 2 weeks, just be sure to let them sit at room temperature before serving again to regain their delightful softness!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze the cookie dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the cookie balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and proceed with baking as usual!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If you notice your cookies spreading too much, it can be due to a few factors. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are properly softened, and chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. If they still spread, consider checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate.

Are these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! While these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies do contain dairy and gluten due to the butter, cream cheese, and cake mix, you can make simple substitutions. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and cream cheese; gluten-free cake mixes are also available for those avoiding gluten. Always check labels for allergens if you’re baking for others!