Christmas is the season of warmth, joy, and indulgence, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like a batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delights are the ultimate holiday treat, packed with buttery goodness and a dusting of powdered sugar that looks just like freshly fallen snow.
They’re easy enough for beginners, yet so irresistibly delicious that they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition in your home. If you’re looking for a cookie that brings comfort and cheer with every bite—save this pin for recipe inspiration and come back whenever you need a little holiday magic!
What makes these cookies extra special is their nostalgic flavor and delightful texture. They have a tender, gooey center that feels like a cross between a cookie and a cake, making them stand out on any Christmas cookie platter.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with kids, or wrapping up edible gifts for friends and family, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or leave a few out for Santa—either way, they’ll be gone in no time. Bake once, and they’ll forever be a part of your Christmas memories.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Description
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive holiday delight, combining soft, chewy texture with a rich buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
Made with cream cheese, butter, and a touch of vanilla, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a snowy, crackled finish that perfectly suits the Christmas season.
Their golden centers stay moist and gooey, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert tables, or gifting, these cookies bring both charm and indulgence.
Simple to make yet irresistibly decadent, they capture the cozy, sweet spirit of Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent sticking and keep cleanup easy.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. This step ensures that your cookies will have that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
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Next, add the dry cake mix in gradually, stirring until no dry streaks remain. You’ll notice the dough will be quite thick and sticky—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should look.
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Place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
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Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until completely coated. This coating is what creates the snowy, crackled look once baked.
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Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result: irresistibly soft, gooey, buttery cookies with a festive powdered sugar finish.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 160kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 140mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies – Tips & Serving Tricks
Christmas is the perfect time for baking, and few treats bring as much cheer as Gooey Butter Cookies. Soft, chewy, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible at holiday gatherings.
While the recipe itself is simple, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to make them even more delightful and festive. Below, we’ll explore how to perfect these cookies, how to store and serve them, and even creative ways to dress them up for Christmas celebrations.
Baking Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cream cheese and butter blend best when they’re softened to room temperature. This ensures your dough mixes evenly without lumps, giving you smooth, gooey cookies. - Chill the Dough
Gooey butter cookie dough can be sticky. Refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes before rolling makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading too much in the oven. - Roll in Powdered Sugar Generously
Don’t be shy when coating the dough balls in powdered sugar. The heavy coating creates that classic snowy, crinkle-like look. To avoid the sugar melting into the cookie, roll them twice: once in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. - Avoid Overbaking
The magic of these cookies lies in their gooey center. Bake just until the edges are set, usually 10–12 minutes. They may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool while staying deliciously soft inside. - Use Festive Add-ins
For a holiday twist, add crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or red and green sprinkles into the dough. This makes the cookies look more Christmassy without altering the gooey texture.
Serving Tricks to Make Them Special
- Holiday Cookie Platters
Arrange Gooey Butter Cookies alongside other festive favorites like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and shortbread stars. Their powdered sugar dusting makes them look like little snowballs, which ties in beautifully with winter themes. - Gift-Worthy Packaging
Stack a few cookies in clear cellophane bags, tie with a red ribbon, and add a holiday tag. These make perfect homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, and co-workers. - Hot Cocoa Pairing
Serve them warm with mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. The richness of the cookies complements the sweetness of cocoa, creating a cozy winter pairing. - Cookie Exchange Favorite
If you’re attending a cookie swap, Gooey Butter Cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Their unique chewy texture stands out among more traditional crisp cookies, and they’re easy to make in big batches. - Festive Presentation Ideas
- Place cookies on a red or green holiday tray dusted with extra powdered sugar “snow.”
- Add edible glitter or shimmer dust to the powdered sugar for a sparkling effect.
- Stack cookies in a Christmas tree formation and decorate with small candy ornaments.
Storing & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread inside the container to maintain softness.
- Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store fully baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust again with powdered sugar before serving to refresh their snowy look.
Servings
A standard batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies makes about 24 cookies, perfect for a small holiday party or family gathering. For larger events, simply double or triple the recipe. Since they’re rich and buttery, one or two cookies per person is usually enough, though guests often come back for seconds.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and cream cheese blend much more smoothly, preventing lumps in the dough.
- Don’t Skip Chilling – Because the dough is sticky, chilling helps make rolling easier and improves the cookie’s final shape.
- Coat Generously – Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! A thick coating gives you that classic crackle and snowy holiday appearance.
- Watch the Bake Time – Gooey butter cookies should be soft and tender. If they brown too much, they’ll lose that signature gooey texture.
Variations to Try
- Festive Flavors: Swap the yellow cake mix with red velvet, chocolate, or even spice cake mix for fun holiday twists.
- Peppermint Crunch: Stir in ½ cup crushed candy canes for a refreshing minty bite.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Roll the dough in powdered sugar, then gently press Christmas-themed sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking.
Serving Ideas
These cookies shine brightest on a Christmas cookie platter alongside classics like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles. Pair them with mugs of hot cocoa, mulled wine, or even a festive eggnog latte. They’re also fantastic for cookie exchanges, gifting in tins, or serving as a sweet finish after Christmas dinner. Their snowy powdered sugar look makes them feel like edible holiday decorations.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The powdered sugar may absorb slightly over time, so you can re-dust them before serving.
- Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls (without the powdered sugar), place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: These also freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with fresh powdered sugar for the best presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat because they combine simplicity, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor. Using a cake mix shortcut saves time in the kitchen—perfect for busy December days—while cream cheese and butter create that signature gooey texture everyone craves. The snowy powdered sugar coating makes them look like little Christmas snowballs, guaranteed to delight children and adults alike.
So, if you’re looking for a cookie that’s festive, delicious, and stress-free to make, add these Gooey Butter Cookies to your Christmas baking list. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears quickly from the dessert table and keeps everyone coming back for just one more bite.
In short: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday baking gem – soft, chewy, snowy, and easy to personalize. With the right baking tips, festive serving tricks, and clever storage ideas, you can make them the star of your Christmas cookie spread.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and rich holiday cookies made with cream cheese, butter, and cake mix. They have a tender, gooey center and a powdered sugar coating that gives them a snowy, festive look. Often flavored with vanilla or holiday sprinkles, they’re a beloved Christmas treat.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. Chilled dough makes rolling easier and helps cookies bake evenly. Once baked, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To refresh frozen cookies, simply thaw and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Do I need to use cake mix, or can I make them from scratch?
Traditionally, Gooey Butter Cookies are made with a boxed yellow or vanilla cake mix, which ensures their light texture and consistent sweetness. However, you can make them from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla if you prefer a more homemade approach. The boxed version is quicker and especially convenient during the busy Christmas season.
How do I customize them for the holidays?
These cookies are easy to dress up for Christmas. Roll them in red and green sanding sugar before baking, add holiday sprinkles to the dough, or drizzle them with melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy.
You can also use flavored extracts like almond, peppermint, or rum to give them a festive twist. Their versatility makes them perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday dessert tables.
