Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Spread the love

why make this recipe

Gooey butter cookies are a delightful treat that truly captures the essence of Christmas. They are irresistibly soft, chewy, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar that gives them a holiday charm. If you want to add something special to your festive gatherings, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends. The combination of cream cheese and butter makes them melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the sprinkles add a fun and colorful touch.

These cookies are perfect for all ages. Kids enjoy rolling the cookie dough into balls and coating them in powdered sugar, while adults love the rich flavor and soft texture with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make! You don’t need any elaborate baking skills or fancy equipment; just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet do the job.

By making these cookies, you create not just a tasty treat but also a wonderful memory. Whether you’re baking solo, with family, or with friends, these moments spent in the kitchen are part of what makes the holiday season so special.

how to make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Making Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps, and you will have a delicious batch of cookies ready in no time.

Ingredients:

8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese
1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 large Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 box Yellow Cake Mix
1 cup Holiday Sprinkles
1 cup Powdered Sugar

Directions:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Mix cream cheese and butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat them with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. This can take about 2-3 minutes.
Add egg and vanilla: Crack one large egg into the bowl, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be fluffy and light.
Incorporate cake mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, or the cookies may become tough.
Fold in sprinkles: Gently fold in 1 cup of holiday sprinkles using a spatula. You want to distribute the sprinkles throughout the dough without deflating it.
Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, but it’s not necessary if you’re in a rush.
Scoop and roll the dough: After chilling, scoop out portions of the dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a small ball about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
Coat in powdered sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball of dough in the powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives the cookies a beautiful snowy appearance.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Space the dough balls out on the sheet, allowing room for spreading.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn lightly golden, but the center should remain soft.
Cool the cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Serving your Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is one of the most gratifying experiences during the holiday season. Here are some simple ways to enjoy them:

Plain or Snow-Topped: Serve the cookies as they are, and let the snowy powdered sugar topping shine through. They look festive as they are, and everyone will appreciate the classic presentation.
With Hot Beverages: Pair the cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. The rich flavors of the cookies complement the warmth of these drinks perfectly.
On a Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday treats like brownies, candies, or peppermint bark. This makes for a delightful dessert table during family gatherings or parties.
Gift Wrapping: Pack a few cookies in a decorative box or a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. They make lovely homemade gifts for neighbors, friends, or teachers.
Cookie Sandwiches: For an extra special treat, take two cookies and sandwich a spoonful of frosting or whipped cream in between. You get to enjoy a decadent cookie sandwich that everyone will love!

how to store Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Storing your cookies properly will ensure they maintain their deliciousness and softness. Here is how you can do it:

Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and fresh. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking to one another.
Refrigeration: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can keep the cookies in the refrigerator. Just ensure they are in a well-sealed container to avoid absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezing: For the longest storage, flash freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer the frozen cookies into a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, just take out the desired number of cookies and let them come to room temperature.
Reviving Softness: If your cookies do get a bit hard, you can softening them in the microwave for a few seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they may turn too chewy.

tips to make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to have your cream cheese and butter at room temperature before starting. This makes blending much easier and ensures a smoother batter.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups for both dry and wet ingredients. This helps in achieving the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix, mix on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Adjust Sugar Based on Preference: If you prefer your cookies a bit less sweet, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but be careful not to take away from the gooey texture.
Experiment with Sprinkles: Get creative with your holiday sprinkles! You can use different colors, shapes, or even edible glitter for a fun variation.
Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to find your perfect time and achieve that gooey center without overcooking.

variation

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit with your Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Chocolate Version: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a rich chocolatey flavor. You can also add chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a half cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty twist. The combination of peanut butter and cream cheese is heavenly!
Coconut Delight: Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flavor. Use coconut-flavored sprinkles for an added touch.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Add a handful of mint chocolate chips and a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. This creates a festive flavor perfect for the holidays.
Spiced Cookies: Incorporate some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough to give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and butter base.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may affect the texture and taste of your cookies. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best results for that gooey and rich texture.

Q: How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
A: Your cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven, so it’s best to err on the side of under-baking slightly.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to bake them later.

Q: Why do my cookies spread while baking?
A: Cookies can spread if the butter is too warm or if the dough is not chilled enough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling your dough before baking.

Q: Can I substitute the egg?
A: Yes! If you want to make the cookies vegan or egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or 1/4 cup of applesauce as a substitute.

With their easy preparation, fun flavors, and festive appearance, Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a fantastic holiday treat. Gather your loved ones and bake some unforgettable memories together!