Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

When the holidays roll around, it’s time to indulge in sweet treats and create lasting memories with family and friends. Christmas is the perfect time for baking, and these Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies take the cake—literally! These cookies are an excellent addition to your holiday cookie platter, and the festive colors from the holiday sprinkles create a fun and cheerful atmosphere.

The true magic of these cookies lies in their soft and gooey texture. With cream cheese and butter as key ingredients, each bite promises a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, they are simple to prepare and perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a tasty gift for friends, or simply craving a delicious cookie, these gooey butter cookies will not disappoint.

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Baking these cookies is a fun process that allows you to enjoy the sweet aroma of fresh cookies wafting through your home. Let’s get started with the steps needed to create these delicious cookies.

Ingredients

To make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese
1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 large Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 box Yellow Cake Mix
1 cup Holiday Sprinkles
1 cup Powdered Sugar

Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, start by combining the cream cheese and softened butter. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth. This might take a couple of minutes, but it’s well worth it for a rich flavor.
Add Egg and Vanilla Extract: Next, crack the large egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined. The vanilla will add a lovely flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the mixture. Mix it on low speed to avoid any flour cloud and to ensure everything comes together without lumps. Be careful not to over-mix; just combine until you see no dry cake mix left.
Fold in the Holiday Sprinkles: Now it’s time to add some festive cheer! Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles using a spatula. This will add a burst of color to your cookies and make them look extra festive.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes. This step is optional, but it can help the cookies maintain their shape and make them easier to roll into balls.
Roll the Dough Into Balls: Once the dough is ready, use your hands to roll it into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. You can adjust the size to your preference, but keep in mind that larger cookies may require a longer baking time.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: After rolling the dough balls, coat them generously in powdered sugar. This gives your gooey butter cookies a beautiful snowy finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Bake: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each ball, as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not worry if the centers look slightly underbaked; this is the secret to their gooey texture!
Cool: Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This waiting time allows the cookies to firm up a little bit before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Serving these cookies is easy and fun! Place the cooled cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin for the perfect holiday presentation. To enhance the joy of sharing, you can also add a few holiday-themed napkins and plates.

Consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of hot cocoa, or even a festive holiday drink like eggnog. These cookies are delightful on their own, but they also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert combination.

For gatherings, you might want to set up a cookie decorating station where guests can add extra sprinkles or edible glitter to their cookies before digging in. This can be especially enjoyable for kids and adds a playful element to your holiday celebrations.

How to Store Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your soft gooey butter cookies fresh and delicious. Here are some recommendations:

Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy the cookies within a few days, just place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for about 4 to 5 days.
Refrigerator Storage: If you want to extend their freshness, consider refrigerating the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They can last for up to a week.
Freezing: To keep your cookies for an extended period, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature will help create a creamy mixture that blends smoothly, resulting in the best texture.
Measuring the Ingredients: Accurate measurement is crucial for cookie baking. Use the "spoon and level" method for the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This will prevent using too much flour, which could lead to dry cookies.
Don’t Overbake: The key to achieving the gooey texture is to under-bake slightly, as they will continue to cook once removed from the oven. Keep a keen eye on them while baking!
Experiment with Mix-Ins: While holiday sprinkles add festive charm, don’t hesitate to try other mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or different flavors of sprinkles for variation.

Variation

While the original recipe is undeniably delicious, playing around with flavors and ingredients can add a delightful twist. Here are some variations you might enjoy:

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Substitute a chocolate cake mix in place of the yellow cake mix. This variation provides a rich chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with cream cheese.
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh and bright flavor that complements the sweet, gooey cookies.
Nutty Addition: Mix in half a cup of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful of any nut allergies your guests might have.
Peppermint Variation: For a seasonal twist, add a half teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mix and top the cookies with crushed candy canes after baking for a refreshing minty touch.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen before baking.

2. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies are often a result of too warm dough or using melted butter instead of softened butter. Ensure that your butter is soft but not melted. Additionally, if the dough was not chilled before baking, the cookies may spread too much.

3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even red velvet for a unique take on the cookies. Just remember to adjust the add-ins accordingly to match the theme!

With their fluffy texture and festive look, Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to be a hit at your holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking these delightful cookies today! Your friends and family will thank you for it.

Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Print Recipe

Delightfully soft and gooey cookies perfect for holiday celebrations, made with cream cheese and festive sprinkles.

Author: hbibamine1980
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese
1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 large Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 box Yellow Cake Mix
1 cup Holiday Sprinkles
1 cup Powdered Sugar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and softened butter, mixing until creamy and smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the yellow cake mix, mixing on low speed until no dry mix remains.
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles with a spatula.
If desired, chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
Roll the dough into balls about the size of a tablespoon.
Coat the dough balls in powdered sugar.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.