Introduction to Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that bring joy to my family. That’s where my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies come in! These cookies are not just deliciously soft and gooey; they’re a quick solution for busy days filled with holiday preparations. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress your loved ones. Trust me, the aroma of these cookies baking will fill your home with warmth and cheer, making them a must-try this festive season!
PrintChristmas Gooey Butter Cookies: A Must-Try Recipe!
Deliciously soft and gooey cookies perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix (yellow or white)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the remaining egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Fold the cream cheese mixture into the cake mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add red and green sprinkles on top before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy moms like us. The soft, gooey texture is irresistible, and the sweet aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with festive sprinkles or chocolate chips, ensuring every batch feels special. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cake Mix: A box of yellow or white cake mix serves as the base. It adds sweetness and a soft texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness and moisture. Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.
- Eggs: You’ll need two eggs—one for the cake mix and one for the cream cheese mixture. They help bind everything together.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds that signature gooeyness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making your cookies taste homemade and comforting.
- Powdered Sugar: This is for dusting on top before serving. It adds a lovely sweetness and a festive touch.
For a fun twist, consider adding red and green sprinkles on top before baking. It’s a simple way to make your cookies even more festive!
All the exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will love!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix them together until everything is well blended. You want a thick, gooey batter that’s ready to be transformed into cookies. It’s like magic in a bowl!
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the remaining egg and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined. This mixture adds that signature gooeyness that makes these cookies so special. It’s like a hug in cookie form!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the cake mix. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine them until just blended. This step is where the magic happens, creating that deliciously gooey texture we all crave!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a bit while baking. If you want to get fancy, you can use a cookie scoop for perfectly shaped cookies!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. The center will still look a bit soft, but that’s what makes them gooey and delicious!
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Then, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. This final touch adds a beautiful, festive look and a sweet finish. Your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is fully melted for a smooth batter.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; it should be just combined for that gooey texture.
- For even baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet works well. If you don’t have one, a large oven-safe dish can do the trick.
- Parchment Paper: This helps prevent sticking. If you’re out, greasing the baking sheet lightly will suffice.
- Mixing Bowls: Use any size bowls you have on hand for mixing ingredients.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop: A regular spoon is fine, but a cookie scoop makes shaping easier.
Variations of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity touch that pairs beautifully with the gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or seasonal berries for a pop of color.
- For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
FAQs about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow or white cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with chocolate or even red velvet for a festive twist. Each variation will bring its own unique flavor to your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for a fresh batch of gooey goodness!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to melted butter or warm dough. Make sure your butter is fully melted and try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better!
Can I add more toppings to my cookies?
Definitely! Besides powdered sugar, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Get creative and make them your own!
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my journey with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, I can’t help but smile. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a way to create cherished memories with family and friends. The joy of baking together, the laughter shared over warm cookies, and the sweet aroma wafting through the house are what the holidays are all about. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies will surely bring warmth and happiness to your holiday season. So, roll up your sleeves and let the magic begin!