Introduction
These festive Christmas gooey butter cookies combine soft, buttery centers with lightly crinkled edges and a powdered sugar coating that looks like fresh snow. The holiday sprinkles add cheerful color, while the cream cheese keeps every bite tender and rich. This recipe offers the perfect balance of simple ingredients and big seasonal flavor. Whether you’re filling a cookie tray, gifting homemade treats, or baking with kids, these cookies bring classic holiday charm to any celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Christmas gooey butter cookies stay soft for days thanks to cream cheese and cake mix.
- The dough mixes quickly, making them ideal for last-minute holiday baking.
- Holiday sprinkles add color without extra decorating time.
- The cookies bake evenly and develop signature powdered-sugar crinkles.
- They freeze well, so you can prep them ahead during busy weeks.
Ingredients and Notes
These simple ingredients create the signature texture and flavor of Christmas gooey butter cookies. The combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and butter keeps the dough thick, smooth, and easy to scoop.
Cookie Ingredients
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Notes and Substitutions
Use full-fat cream cheese for the softest texture. Swap vanilla extract with almond extract to give the Christmas gooey butter cookies a classic bakery flavor. If you want brighter color contrast, use jimmies or confetti sprinkles instead of sanding sugar. For a peppermint twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract. If your dough turns too sticky, chill it longer so the cookies keep their shape.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the yellow cake mix and stir until the dough becomes thick and sticky.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently so the colors don’t overmix or streak.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it firm enough to roll.
- Scoop 1½-inch portions of dough and roll each in powdered sugar until coated on all sides.
- Place the dough balls two inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges look set while the centers stay soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet briefly before moving them to a wire rack.
- Let them cool completely so the crinkles stay defined.
- Dust lightly with extra powdered sugar if you want a more dramatic snowy look.
- Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the signature gooey texture of Christmas gooey butter cookies.
These steps ensure evenly baked cookies with tender centers and vibrant sprinkles.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
- Chill the dough long enough so it rolls without sticking.
- Coat generously in powdered sugar for bold crinkles.
- Don’t overbake; soft centers are essential for the gooey texture.
- Swap sprinkles based on the season for year-round variations.
- If cookies spread too much, refrigerate shaped dough balls before baking.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serve Christmas gooey butter cookies on dessert trays, gift them in festive tins, or enjoy them with cocoa by the tree. Their soft texture and bright colors make them ideal for holiday gatherings. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
Flavor Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough and fold in crushed candy canes for a cool, wintry flavor.
- Red Velvet: Swap the yellow cake mix with red velvet cake mix for a deep red cookie perfect for holiday platters.
- Chocolate Chip Gooey Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips or semisweet chips for a richer, sweeter version.
- Confetti Cookies: Use rainbow sprinkles instead of holiday sprinkles for year-round celebrations.
- Almond Bakery Style: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a soft, sweet bakery-style cookie.
Nutrition
Approximate values per cookie:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~125 |
| Carbohydrates | ~17g |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Fat | ~6g |
FAQ
Can I freeze Christmas gooey butter cookies?
Yes. Freeze the baked cookies or freeze scooped dough balls and roll them in powdered sugar right before baking.
Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
Warm dough softens quickly. Chill it longer to make shaping easier and help the Christmas gooey butter cookies keep their form.
Can I use different cake mix flavors?
Absolutely. Red velvet, funfetti, or chocolate cake mix all create flavorful twists while keeping the texture soft and gooey.
Conclusion
With their bright sprinkles, snowy powdered sugar, and soft, buttery centers, these Christmas gooey butter cookies bring classic holiday joy to every bite. They’re simple enough for quick weeknight baking, yet festive enough for parties and gift boxes. The combination of cream cheese and cake mix creates an unbeatable texture that feels warm, nostalgic, and perfectly seasonal. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or Santa’s cookie plate, these cookies always deliver holiday magic.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened full-fat
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 15.25 ounces Yellow cake mix
- 0.5 cup Holiday sprinkles
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add yellow cake mix and stir until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Fold in holiday sprinkles gently.
- Chill dough at least 30 minutes to firm.
- Scoop 1½-inch portions and roll in powdered sugar until coated.
- Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges look set but centers remain soft.
- Cool briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust lightly with extra powdered sugar if desired.
