Hey there, cookie lovers! Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year, and the smell of baking cookies just screams holiday cheer, doesn’t it? Every December, my kitchen turns into a flurry of flour and sugar, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the treats I *always* make is this super simple recipe for *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*. Seriously, they’re the easiest cookies you’ll ever bake, and everyone always raves about them!
I remember the first time I made these. I was short on time and needed something impressive for a cookie swap. I stumbled upon this recipe, and, wow, it was a game-changer! The cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, plus they look so festive with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for gifting, bringing to parties, or, let’s be honest, sneaking a few (or more!) yourself. Trust me; you *need* this *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* recipe in your life!
Why You’ll Love These *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
Seriously, these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* are pure magic! Here’s why you’ll become totally obsessed:
- Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, it’s like, dump, mix, bake – done!
- Festive & Fun: Perfect for any holiday gathering, or even just a cozy night in by the fire.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delicious: They practically dissolve on your tongue. Soft, buttery, dreamy!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will beg you for the recipe, promise!
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them up and spread the holiday joy!
Ingredients for the Best *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
Okay, so here’s what you need to make these amazing *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*! Don’t worry, the ingredient list is super short and sweet. Most of the stuff you probably already have in your pantry, which is always a bonus, right?
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces) – Yep, cake mix is the secret weapon!
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *really* soft, like, room temperature soft!
- 1 large egg – Just one little egg will do it.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Full-fat is my go-to for these cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Always, always the good stuff!
- Powdered sugar, for dusting – For that perfect, snowy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, this *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* recipe is a breeze. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll totally nail these! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
Preparing the Dough
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a big bowl – make sure it’s big enough; this stuff gets a bit messy – combine the yellow cake mix, that softened butter (remember, softened is KEY!), and the egg. Mix it all up until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix it, though. We just want a nice, cohesive dough. Trust me; it’ll start smelling amazing already!
Mixing the Cream Cheese Mixture
Next up, grab another bowl – we’re multitasking! In this bowl, you’re going to beat the softened cream cheese and the vanilla extract together. Keep beating until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be light and fluffy, almost like whipped cream. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
Combining the Mixtures and Baking
Now, pour the cream cheese mixture into the bowl with the cake mix and butter. Gently combine everything until it’s all blended together. Doesn’t have to be perfect; a few streaks are okay. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your baking sheet. I like using a cookie scoop for this because it gives you perfectly sized cookies!
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still be a little soft and gooey. You want them to look *just* perfect – slightly golden around the edges is usually a good sign.
Cooling and Finishing Touches
Once they’re out of the oven, let those cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before you move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue, right? Then, and this is my favorite part, dust those beauties with a generous amount of powdered sugar! I love using a fine-mesh sieve for this, it gives them a beautiful snowy look. And there you have it, *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* perfection!
Tips for Success: Making Perfect *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
Okay, so you want to make these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* absolutely perfect? I got you! Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to help you nail this recipe every single time. Trust me, these little tricks make a HUGE difference!
First off, don’t overmix that dough. If you overmix it, your cookies can come out tough, and nobody wants that! We’re aiming for soft and gooey here, remember? Also, a cookie scoop is your best friend when it comes to getting evenly sized cookies. Everyone will think you’re a baking pro! And, please, please let those cookies cool completely before you dust them with powdered sugar. It’s tempting to dive in right away, but you’ll end up with a melted, messy situation. Let the patience begin!
Variations on *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
Okay, so you’ve made the base recipe, and now you want to take things up a notch? Heck yeah! These *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* are super adaptable, so get ready to have some fun. One of my favorite things to do is add a dash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture – it’s a total game-changer! Trust me on this one. You can also totally mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
For a festive touch, try adding some festive sprinkles like Christmas colors! Or, if you’re a peppermint fan, a drop of peppermint extract, and maybe some crushed candy canes on top right after baking. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* your own! I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
Okay, so you’re a busy bee (like me!), and you want to bake ahead? Great idea! The good news is, these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* are perfect for making ahead of time. You can totally whip up a batch a few days (or even a week!) before your Christmas party. Just make sure you store them the right way, so they stay all soft and delicious.
The best way to keep these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* fresh is in an airtight container at room temperature. Don’t put them in the fridge! That’ll dry them out super fast. Just stack them gently, maybe with a piece of parchment paper between the layers, and they’ll be good to go. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions for *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
So, you’ve got a fresh batch of *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*, and now you’re wondering, what do I serve with these little bites of heaven? Honestly, almost anything goes, but here are my absolute faves! A warm mug of coffee is perfect for dipping (yes, *dipping*!), or a cozy cup of tea is lovely, too. For the kids (and the young at heart!), I highly recommend a big glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions about *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*
I know, I know, you have questions! And I love that! Baking is all about learning and tweaking, right? Over the years, I’ve gotten asked the same things over and over about these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*, so I figured I’d answer them here. Hopefully, these FAQs answer everything! If not, feel free to ask in the comments – I’m always happy to help! Let’s get to it!
Can I use a different cake mix for these cookies?
Yes, absolutely! You totally can use a different cake mix. I usually grab a yellow cake mix, because that’s what my grandma used, and I love the flavor it gives. But, you can experiment with other flavors, like white cake or even chocolate, for a fun twist! Just be aware that the final flavor may change a little. The beauty of these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* is their adaptability!
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ugh, cookie spread – we’ve all been there! First off: make sure your butter is really softened, but not melted. If it’s too warm, your cookies will spread like crazy! Also, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Popping the dough in the fridge beforehand firms up the butter and helps the cookies keep their shape. Don’t worry; they’ll still be super soft and delicious, I promise!
Can I freeze these cookies?
You betcha! These *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* freeze like a dream! Just let them cool completely, then place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate the layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months! To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Or, if you’re like me and impatient, you can warm them up very gently in the microwave! Good luck, and happy baking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Heads up, cookie lovers! The nutritional information for these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies* is just an estimate. It’s based on the ingredients I used and the brands I grabbed from the store. Nutritional info can totally vary depending on what you use, so keep that in mind! Enjoy responsibly!
Did You Enjoy These *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*?
Woohoo! Did you make these *Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies*? I *really* hope you loved them as much as I do! Seriously, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Also, a quick rating would be amazing! And please, please share this recipe on your social media – it helps me out SO much. Happy Baking!