These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking list. They’re not just cookies; they’re a festive experience that brings joy to every bite. With a prep time that’s a breeze, these cookies are perfect for those bustling holiday moments. I’ve been baking these for years, and they’ve become a holiday staple in my home. Their soft, chewy texture, combined with the sweet tang of cream cheese, makes them irresistible. Trust me, these cookies will become your new holiday favorite!
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
These cookies are a dream for anyone who loves a soft and chewy texture. The secret lies in the cake mix base, which makes them incredibly easy to prepare yet so indulgent. You’ll find that the combination of cream cheese and butter gives these cookies a rich, luxurious taste that’s hard to resist.
Can I Customize These Cookies for Other Occasions?
Absolutely! While the holiday sprinkles give them a festive touch, you can easily adapt them for any occasion. Swap out the Christmas sprinkles for colors that match your event, and voila! You have a versatile cookie recipe that’s perfect year-round.
What’s the Secret to Their Gooey Texture?
The gooeyness of these cookies comes from the perfect balance of cream cheese, butter, and cake mix. Ensuring these ingredients are well-blended and refrigerated before baking is key. This chilling process helps the cookies maintain their shape and gooey center as they bake.
Are These Cookies a Good Choice for Holiday Gifts?
Yes, they are! These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also a heartwarming gift. Pack them up in a festive tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
How Can I Ensure the Best Results?
To get the best results, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before you start. This makes for a smoother dough. Also, don’t forget to give the dough enough chilling time – it’s a crucial step for the perfect texture.
Will These Cookies Surprise My Guests?
Most definitely! Guests are often amazed to learn that these gourmet-tasting cookies are made from a simple cake mix. They strike the perfect balance between homemade and convenience, making them a total crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Yield: 36 Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with these mouthwatering Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. This easy-to-make recipe, highly rated with 4.4 stars from over a thousand reviews, is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Perfect Festive Cookies:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened for smooth blending
- 1 package (8 oz.) of cream cheese, softened to create a rich texture
- 1 egg to bind the ingredients together
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that sweet aroma
- 1 box of white cake mix as a convenient and tasty base
- 1/4 cup of holiday sprinkles for festive decoration, plus more for rolling
- 1/2 cup of confectioner’s sugar for a sweet finish
Simple and Enjoyable Baking Instructions:
- Combine the Basics: Start by creaming the softened butter and cream cheese together. This step is crucial for a smooth, rich cookie dough. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating them just enough to integrate well into the creamy mixture.
- Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually beat in the white cake mix until it’s fully blended with the creamy base. This step infuses the convenience of a cake mix with homemade goodness.
- Add a Festive Touch: Stir in half of the sprinkles to the dough for that colorful, festive look. Then, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight, to ensure it’s firm enough to handle.
- Shape and Decorate: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your cookie sheet with a light greasing or parchment paper. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, roll them in the remaining sprinkles, and then in confectioner’s sugar for a sweet, snowy appearance.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes. The short baking time is key to achieving that gooey, buttery texture.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes post-baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies maintain their shape while cooling.
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit in every bite. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones, these cookies embody the joy of the season. Remember to save this recipe for an unforgettable baking experience this Christmas!
