Introduction to Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that bring joy to my family. That’s where my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies come in! These delightful cookies are not just a quick solution for a busy day; they’re a way to create cherished memories with loved ones. With their soft, gooey texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to impress everyone at your holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy moms and professionals like us. Let’s dive into this festive baking adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday miracle in the kitchen! They come together in just 30 minutes, making them a lifesaver for busy days. The taste? Oh, it’s like a warm hug from Grandma! With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, the simple ingredients mean you won’t be running around town looking for anything fancy. Trust me, these cookies are a must-bake this season!
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cake Mix: A box of yellow or white cake mix serves as the base. It adds sweetness and a soft texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness and moisture. Unsalted is best to control the saltiness.
- Eggs: You’ll need two eggs. They help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their gooey texture.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making each bite taste like a holiday dream.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting, this adds a sweet finishing touch and a festive look to your cookies.
For a fun twist, consider adding red and green sprinkles on top before baking. It’s a simple way to make your cookies even more festive!
All the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print out. Happy baking!
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, you might end up with gooey centers and burnt edges. Trust me, no one wants that!
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix until everything is well blended. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which is just what we want for our Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, the remaining egg, and vanilla extract together. You want this mixture to be smooth and creamy, so take your time. A hand mixer works wonders here, but a whisk will do if you’re feeling strong! This creamy goodness is what makes these cookies so delightfully gooey.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the bowl with the cake mix. Gently fold them together until fully incorporated. You want a smooth, gooey batter that’s ready to be transformed into cookies. The magic is happening!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a bit while baking. If you want to get fancy, you can roll the dough into balls for a more polished look. Just remember, the gooier, the better!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake. We want that gooey goodness!
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once your cookies have cooled slightly, it’s time for the final touch. Dust them generously with powdered sugar. This not only adds sweetness but also gives your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies a beautiful, festive look. It’s like a sprinkle of holiday magic!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors for unique variations!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: A set of large and medium bowls works best. You can also use a single bowl if you’re short on time.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing the dough. A hand mixer can speed things up!
- Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet is perfect. If you have a silicone mat, it’s a great alternative.
- Parchment Paper: Essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Cookie Scoop: Optional, but it helps with uniform cookie sizes.
Variations of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Mint Chocolate: Incorporate mint extract and chocolate chips for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Seasonal Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that screams holiday cheer.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or cranberries for a pop of color.
- For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
FAQs about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
As you embark on your baking journey with these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers!
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow or white cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with chocolate or red velvet for a unique twist. Each flavor brings its own festive flair!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for that gooey goodness!
What can I do if my cookies are too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape into cookies.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to the dough. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that fills your home with warmth and joy. The soft, gooey texture and sweet aroma create a festive atmosphere that brings everyone together. Each bite is a reminder of the love and laughter shared during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and create lasting memories. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the magic of baking fill your hearts this Christmas!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: Bake Joyful Treats Today!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and gooey cookies perfect for the Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix (yellow or white)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, remaining egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the two mixtures until fully incorporated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add red and green sprinkles on top before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
