Delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about baking during the holidays. The scent of butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar floating through your kitchen instantly takes you back to simpler times — when you couldn’t wait to sneak a warm cookie from the cooling rack. If you’ve ever searched for a dessert that captures that same nostalgia, you’re about to find it in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
These cookies are soft, rich, and coated in powdered sugar like freshly fallen snow. They melt in your mouth, leaving behind a buttery sweetness that feels like Christmas itself. In this guide, you’ll not only discover the best recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, but also the tricks, variations, and baking secrets that make them irresistible every single time.
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What Makes Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies So Special?
If you’re wondering why these cookies have gained such a devoted following, the answer lies in their perfect balance of flavor and texture. They’re chewy on the outside, soft and gooey in the center, and delicately sweet with a dusting of powdered sugar that looks just like winter frost.
A Brief History of Gooey Butter Cookies
The story of gooey butter cookies begins in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally a baking accident turned success story, the gooey butter cake was created when a baker mistakenly used too much butter in a cake recipe. The result? A rich, buttery dessert that quickly became a local favorite. Over time, that cake inspired bakers to create smaller, handheld versions — and the Gooey Butter Cookie was born.
Today, they’ve become a cherished part of Christmas traditions across the U.S., especially when dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow-covered cookies straight from Santa’s workshop.
The Perfect Holiday Cookie Texture
When you bite into one of these cookies, you’ll notice something unique — the slightly crisp exterior gives way to a warm, gooey center. That’s the signature hallmark of a perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie. The secret lies in the combination of cream cheese, butter, and cake mix. These ingredients work together to create a dough that’s soft, rich, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for the Best Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Before you start baking, make sure you have everything ready. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays an important role in the texture and flavor.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Use full-fat for the creamiest texture |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (softened) | Room temperature butter blends best |
| Yellow Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | The foundation of the cookie’s flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Acts as a binder for the dough |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | For rolling and coating |
| Optional Add-ins | — | White chocolate chips, red & green sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a Christmas twist |
Tip: Let your cream cheese and butter soften for at least 30 minutes before mixing. It helps you achieve that perfectly smooth dough consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a batch of perfect cookies in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the cake mix, stirring until the dough comes together. It will be thick and slightly sticky — that’s exactly what you want.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30–45 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Then, generously coat each ball in powdered sugar. For a more festive look, roll twice — once before chilling and once just before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes. Don’t overbake — the cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, maintaining that gooey center.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature — either way, they’re heavenly. You can dust them with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving for that classic snowy look.
Baking Tips and Variations for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
You can easily make this recipe your own with a few creative touches.
Essential Baking Tips
- Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth dough.
- Chill your dough to prevent spreading.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar just before baking.
- Avoid overbaking to keep that gooey texture.
- Store in an airtight container to retain softness.
Festive Flavor Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract.
- Red Velvet Version: Swap the yellow cake mix for red velvet cake mix for a holiday color pop.
- Chocolate Chip Edition: Stir in white or dark chocolate chips.
- Citrus Surprise: Add a hint of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
Serving and Storing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies aren’t just great for dessert — they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or serving at festive gatherings.
Best Ways to Serve
Serve your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, eggnog, or a cup of coffee. You can also wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon and gift them to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
How to Store and Freeze
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze the dough balls — just roll them in powdered sugar and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw for 15 minutes and bake as usual.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
1. Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days ahead. Keep it refrigerated and bake when ready.
2. Why are my cookies not gooey enough?
You may have overbaked them. Remove the cookies when the centers are still soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.
3. Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze either the dough balls or baked cookies. Thaw dough before baking or warm up baked cookies before serving.
4. What type of cake mix works best?
A yellow cake mix delivers the classic flavor, but you can experiment with red velvet or chocolate cake mix for variety.
5. How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?
Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice and let them cool completely before storing.
6. Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies without cream cheese?
While cream cheese gives them their signature texture, mascarpone can be used as a substitute.
Conclusion: Bake the Joy into Every Christmas Bite
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about creating a batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. As you mix, roll, and bake, you’re not just making dessert — you’re making memories. These cookies represent comfort, celebration, and connection — everything the holidays are meant to be.
Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies will quickly become part of your Christmas tradition. So, preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and experience the sweet, buttery magic for yourself.