Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, chewy, and irresistibly rich. Made with cream cheese and a convenient cake mix base, these cookies deliver bold flavor with minimal work. Dusted in powdered sugar and decorated with festive sprinkles, they look just as magical as they taste. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, parties, or cozy nights at home, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer all season long.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Busy Bakers: Anyone who wants a quick holiday dessert without sacrificing flavor.
- Holiday Hosts: Perfect for parties, potlucks, and Christmas gatherings.
- Gifting Enthusiasts: A thoughtful homemade gift that everyone appreciates.
- Families & Kids: Easy steps make this a fun recipe for baking with children.
- Beginner Bakers: If you’re new to baking, this is a foolproof recipe that always delivers amazing results.
Why It’s Great
- Effortless Preparation: Cake mix simplifies the process, making these cookies fast and fail-proof.
- Soft & Gooey Texture: Cream cheese and butter create that signature melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Festive Appearance: Colorful sprinkles and powdered sugar add a holiday sparkle to every bite.
- Customizable: Change the sprinkle colors or cake mix flavor for any celebration.
- Perfect for Sharing: Sturdy enough for packaging and gifting, yet soft and decadent on the inside.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box white cake mix
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (plus more for rolling)
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
1. Make the Dough
- Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until blended.
- Slowly incorporate the white cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in half of the sprinkles for a colorful, festive look.
2. Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
Chilling helps the dough firm up, ensuring soft, gooey centers that don’t overspread.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Coat each dough ball in extra sprinkles, then roll generously in confectioner’s sugar.
4. Bake
- Arrange cookie balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes—they should look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer (Dough): Freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months.
Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely—yellow, red velvet, lemon, or chocolate cake mixes all work well.
How do I keep my cookies soft and gooey?
Chill the dough thoroughly and avoid overbaking. They should look slightly soft when they come out of the oven.
Do I have to add sprinkles?
No, but sprinkles create that festive Christmas flair. You can skip or replace them with crushed peppermint, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar.
How should I package them for gifts?
Use a decorative tin or box with parchment paper between layers, or pack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a classic holiday touch.
Conclusion
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-make holiday favorite—rich, buttery, colorful, and irresistibly soft. Their simple preparation makes them ideal for bakers of all levels, while their festive appearance ensures they’ll shine at any celebration. Whether you’re gifting, hosting, or just enjoying a seasonal treat, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.
