Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Introducution

The Christmas season is the perfect time to indulge in festive treats, and these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try. I first made these cookies with my family last year, and they quickly became a holiday favorite. Their irresistible soft texture and gooey centers had everyone coming back for more. The combination of cream cheese and yellow cake mix creates a dough that’s easy to work with and results in a cookie that’s simply melt-in-your-mouth. Adding holiday sprinkles gives these cookies an extra festive touch, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The light and soft texture, combined with a touch of sweetness and festive flair, make them a hit at any holiday gathering. Here’s why you’ll love them:

1. Easy to Make – With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, even if you’re short on time.
2. Deliciously Soft & Gooey – The cream cheese in the dough ensures a wonderfully soft and chewy texture, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a delightful sweetness.
3. Customizable – You can switch up the flavor by using different cake mixes (chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake) for a twist on the traditional version.
4. Perfect for Holiday Gifting – These cookies not only taste amazing but also look gorgeous with their festive sprinkle topping, making them great for holiday gift-giving or cookie exchanges.

Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these delightful cookies:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (red and green, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer for ease. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the cake mix, blending until a thick, sticky dough forms. If you’re adding holiday sprinkles, fold them into the dough.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll each ball in the powdered sugar, coating them fully. This step gives the cookies their signature crinkled, sugary appearance once baked.
4. Bake:
   Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops have developed a crinkly appearance. The centers should still look soft and slightly gooey.
5. Cool and Serve:
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed while still soft and gooey in the center.

Nutrition Facts
Each serving contains approximately 1 cookie, depending on the size. Below are the approximate nutritional values per serving:

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 1g

Note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve
These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here’s how you can serve them:

• As a Holiday Treat – Place them on a festive platter to serve at your holiday parties or family gatherings.
• With Hot Cocoa or Eggnog – Pair these soft cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or eggnog for the ultimate winter treat.
• In Gift Baskets – These cookies are great for packing into holiday gift baskets for friends, family, and neighbors.
• At Cookie Exchanges – They’re sure to stand out at cookie exchanges, adding a gooey twist to the classic cookie lineup.
• As a Sweet Snack – Enjoy them any time during the holiday season for a delicious snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overbake: To keep the cookies soft and gooey, be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
4. Customize with Other Cake Mixes: While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with different flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake mix for a fun twist.
5. Make a Larger Batch: This recipe can be doubled or tripled if you’re baking for a crowd or planning to give cookies as gifts.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
   Yes! You can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer. Chocolate, red velvet, or spice cake are great alternatives for different tastes and looks.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container.
3. Can I make these cookies without the sprinkles?
   Absolutely! The sprinkles are purely for decoration, so you can omit them or use any other type of decoration you prefer.
4. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
   Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and gooey, especially if you store them with a piece of bread to maintain moisture.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be used, using unsalted butter gives the cookies a better flavor and texture.
6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Low-fat cream cheese may work, but the texture might be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
7. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease your baking sheet.
8. Can I add nuts to the dough?
   Yes! If you like nuts, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for an added crunch.
9. How can I make these cookies even more festive?
   You can add colored sugar, mini chocolate chips, or candy canes to the dough for extra decoration and flavor.
10. What’s the best way to store these cookies for gifting?
    For gifting, place the cookies in a decorative tin or cookie jar with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and a great way to spread some holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies will bring joy to your holiday season. Enjoy!

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