Pin it
You know those cookies that make everyone's eyes light up during the holidays? These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are exactly that kind of treat. They're perfectly soft with the prettiest sprinkles mixed in and honestly they make my kitchen smell like a dream. Every time I make them for cookie swaps they're the first to disappear from the plate.
What Makes These Special
I discovered this recipe last Christmas and it's been my secret weapon ever since. The cream cheese makes them so rich and tender while using cake mix keeps things super simple. My granddaughter loves helping roll them in powdered sugar and watching the sprinkles sparkle as they bake. Plus they work great with any color sprinkles so we make them year round now.
Ingredients for Perfect Cookies
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz full-fat, softened to room temperature for a creamy base.
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted, softened for richness.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for classic flavor.
- Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix for structure and flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup for rolling, creating a beautiful coating.
- Sprinkles: 1/3 cup Christmas-themed for festive charm.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Create the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the cake mix while mixing on low speed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Add Festive Sprinkles
- Gently fold in Christmas sprinkles using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep sprinkles intact.
- Chill and Shape
- Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. Scoop into 1½-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake to Gooey Perfection
- Place balls on prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly underbaked. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pin it
Baking Secrets
After lots of trial and error I've learned a few tricks. Always use the block cream cheese never the spread kind. Don't skip chilling the dough even if you're in a hurry. My biggest tip? Pull them out when they still look a tiny bit underdone in the middle that's how you get that perfect gooey center.
Fun Cookie Variations
My daughter loves making these with chocolate cake mix and my grandson begs for the funfetti version. Sometimes I mix in crushed candy canes for Christmas or add a drop of peppermint extract. The possibilities are endless and they turn out amazing every time.
Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay soft for days in a sealed container on the counter. I always put wax paper between layers so they don't stick together. If you want to make them ahead they freeze beautifully just thaw them on the counter when you're ready to serve.
Perfect Partners
Nothing beats dunking these in a cold glass of milk. My grandkids love them with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. At our holiday parties I serve them alongside other Christmas cookies and everyone always reaches for these first.
Holiday Magic
These cookies have become part of our family's Christmas tradition. The kids help decorate them my kitchen fills with the sweetest smell and somehow they taste even better when shared with people you love. They're just pure holiday happiness in cookie form.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use full-fat cream cheese?
- Full-fat cream cheese gives these cookies their rich, gooey texture. Low-fat versions contain more water and can make the cookies spread too much while baking.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- → Why chill the dough?
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll into balls and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The cold dough holds its shape better.
- → Can I use different cake mix flavors?
- Yes, you can swap the yellow cake mix for other flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Just keep the amount the same and add sprinkles that match your theme.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
- The cookies should look set around the edges but still be soft in the center. Don't overbake them as they'll continue to set up as they cool.