Is there anything more magical than soft, chewy cookies dusted in powdered sugar, just waiting to be devoured during the holidays? These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are everything you crave in a festive treat—rich, sweet, buttery bites with a tender crumb and irresistible cream cheese tang. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Trust me, your cookie tray will thank you. Perfect for your Holiday Baking list and a must-have in your Christmas Goodies Recipes collection.
And if you’re on the hunt for more sweet cheer, check out our Graham Cracker Toffee Bars, classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, or dreamy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights in.
- Easy to customize with sprinkles or flavor extracts.
- Stays fresh for days—if they last that long!
- A highlight among Easy Christmas Desserts and festive Xmas Treats.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Chill Time | 30 minutes |
| Bake Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Servings | About 24 cookies |
Ingredients
- Cream cheese – Adds richness and that signature gooey center.
- Unsalted butter – Makes the cookies tender and deliciously buttery.
- Egg – Binds everything together.
- Vanilla extract – For that cozy, warm depth of flavor.
- Boxed yellow cake mix – Shortcut alert! It gives a soft structure and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar – For rolling the dough balls and that snowy Christmas look.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional) – Add a pop of color and fun!
The full recipe with measurements is in the printable card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. This is your luscious, buttery base.
Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until well incorporated. The mixture should be light and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Slowly add in the yellow cake mix, stirring until combined. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky—perfect for those gooey centers.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up so it’s easier to handle.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Then roll each one generously in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft. That’s the gooey magic!
Step 7: Cool and Sprinkle
Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you’re feeling extra festive, toss on some holiday sprinkles while they cool. These are truly Fun Christmas Treats that bring smiles with every bite.
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the chill time! It keeps the dough from spreading too much.
- For extra flavor, try almond or peppermint extract.
- A cookie scoop keeps your sizes consistent (and your hands cleaner!).
Flavor Variations
- Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate or red velvet.
- Add crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
- Use flavored cream cheese like strawberry for a fruity surprise.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot cocoa or spiced tea.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Package in cellophane bags for gifting—great Easy Christmas Candy Recipes!
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make the dough a day in advance and chill.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Leftovers
If you have any (big if), they taste just as dreamy the next day—maybe even better!
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked dough balls (after rolling in powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, just add 1-2 extra minutes.
- Freeze baked cookies between parchment layers for grab-and-go treats.
Reheating
A few seconds in the microwave brings back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon cake mix work beautifully.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, it helps keep the cookies thick and gooey.
Why are my cookies flat?
Most likely, the dough was too warm or not chilled long enough.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yep! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check your other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are like holiday magic in a bite—soft, sweet, and totally irresistible. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears before you know it, leaving powdered sugar trails and big smiles behind. Whether you’re baking for Santa, your neighbor, or yourself (hey, no judgment), this one’s a game-changer.
They’re a star on any Christmas Food Desserts spread, the queen of Simple Christmas Treats, and a go-to for making Christmas Sweets And Treats that everyone will rave about.
So if you’re looking for Easy Christmas Treats To Make, look no further. Happy baking and merry munching!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
- Slowly add the yellow cake mix and stir until combined. The dough will be soft and sticky.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Add sprinkles while still warm if desired.