If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and just the right amount of sweet, you’re in the right place. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are everything you need in a cookie—soft, buttery, and covered in a sweet, powdered sugar blanket. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s slightly crisp on the outside, but as soon as you take a bite, it’s gooey and soft inside. Trust me, you’re going to love these!

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a gift exchange, or just treating yourself to a festive snack, these cookies are sure to steal the show. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you’ll be able to whip up a batch without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking to fill your home with the smell of fresh cookies or sharing them with friends and family, these gooey butter cookies are perfect for making memories. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or bringing a batch to share at work, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples, you can create something magical. No need for fancy ingredients, just good old butter and sugar (with a dash of holiday spirit).
Quick and Easy: If you’re looking for a foolproof cookie that delivers on flavor and texture, look no further. These cookies come together in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
Customizable: While the classic version is perfect on its own, you can easily add sprinkles, colored sugars, or even a dash of vanilla extract to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, who can resist a gooey, buttery cookie? These will disappear as soon as they hit the table, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these cookies—it’s all about the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and a hint of tang from the cream cheese. Let’s break it down:

Butter: The base of any good cookie! This provides that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Cream Cheese: Adds a delightful richness and helps make the cookies super soft and gooey. Trust me, this ingredient is a game-changer.
Sugar: For that perfect sweetness that’s balanced out by the tangy cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cookies, making them smell irresistible while baking.
Eggs: The binder that helps bring everything together.
Flour: The main structure of the cookie. It holds everything in place without being too heavy.
Baking Powder: Helps give the cookies just the right lift to stay light and fluffy.
Powdered Sugar: The snow-like coating that gives these cookies their signature sweet finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this gooey goodness:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly, so they’re golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You want a light and fluffy texture to form the perfect base for your cookies.
Add the Sugar and Eggs: Mix in the sugar and eggs, one at a time. Continue beating until everything is fully combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The center will still look soft—that’s what makes them gooey!
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, roll them in powdered sugar. This gives them that signature sweet, snowy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, then enjoy these buttery bites of holiday goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

Holiday Gift: Wrap them up in a cute box with a ribbon and give them as a sweet homemade gift.
With Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee to take your holiday snack to the next level.
On a Cookie Platter: Serve alongside other Christmas favorites like gingerbread or snickerdoodles for a festive cookie platter.
As a Snack: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy them is with a glass of milk or tea while sitting by the fireplace.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: If you’re in a rush, prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. You can bake the cookies when you’re ready to serve them.
Make Them Festive: Add a few sprinkles of colored sugar before baking for a festive touch!
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!). For longer storage, freeze the dough in balls and bake whenever you’re in the mood for a treat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
A1: You can try using Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, but cream cheese is key to getting that gooey texture.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before scooping and baking.

Q3: How should I store the cookies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. They’ll stay soft and gooey!

Q4: Can I make these cookies in advance?
A4: Absolutely! These cookies keep really well, and their flavor even improves after a day or two.

Q5: How do I make these cookies fluffier?
A5: Be sure not to overmix the dough, and if you want extra fluff, add a little extra baking powder.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A6: Sure! Chocolate chips would make these cookies even more irresistible.

Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make a larger batch for holiday parties.

Q8: How can I make the cookies more festive?
A8: Add a little red and green sprinkles or dust the cookies with edible glitter for a fun, holiday touch.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
A9: Gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to get that gooey texture back.

Q10: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A10: Definitely! A hand mixer works just fine for this recipe.

Conclusion

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy treat by the fire, these cookies will bring a little extra joy to your holiday season. Happy baking!