If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s soft, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect choice. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich cream cheese base and festive sprinkles that make them as fun to look at as they are to eat.
These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, easy dessert ideas, or weeknight baking with the family. With simple ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and cake mix, this recipe is approachable for beginners but produces bakery-quality results. They’re a delicious addition to any family comfort food menu or holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, buttery, and slightly gooey texture in every bite
- Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dessert treats
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Festive and customizable with sprinkles or powdered sugar coatings
- Beginner-friendly, no complex techniques required
Ingredient Breakdown:
Base Ingredients
- Full-fat cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds richness, moisture, and a slight tang to balance sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides buttery flavor and tender texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor depth and aroma.
Cake Mix & Mix-Ins
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): Creates a soft, sweet cookie base with minimal effort.
- Holiday sprinkles (½ cup): Adds festive color and a fun crunch without overpowering flavor.
Coating
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Gives the cookies a classic, sweet, snowy finish and adds a soft outer texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Gooey Cookies
- Chill the dough: Makes rolling easier and prevents spreading during baking.
- Do not overmix sprinkles: Preserves the vibrant colors.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and butter: Ensures maximum richness and soft texture.
- Scoop uniformly: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and even baking.
- Cool briefly before transferring: Prevents the cookies from breaking while soft.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- Chocolate version: Swap cake mix for chocolate or add mini chocolate chips.
- Vegan option: Use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and egg replacer.
- Flavor twists: Add almond or peppermint extract for a seasonal flair.
- Fun coatings: Roll in colored sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed candy canes instead of powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. They’re ideal for cookie trays, gift boxes, or festive dessert tables. Pair with other easy holiday dessert ideas like fudge, brownies, or shortbread for a colorful, crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake fresh when needed. This makes them perfect for meal prep ideas, holiday cookie exchanges, or last-minute treats.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive spin on the classic Midwestern gooey butter cake, combining a soft, buttery base with sweet, powdered sugar coating and colorful sprinkles. They have become a holiday favorite across the United States for their simplicity, fun presentation, and irresistible texture—an easy yet crowd-pleasing family comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes or up to a few hours before baking. Cookies can also be baked and stored for 4 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze well. Bake from frozen or thaw before baking.
Can I make them healthier?
Use low-fat cream cheese, sugar substitutes, or whole-grain cake mix for a lighter option.
Can I use different cake mixes?
Absolutely! Yellow, vanilla, or even funfetti cake mix works well. Chocolate or spice cake mix gives a seasonal twist.
How do I keep the cookies soft and gooey?
Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix so the colors do not bleed.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls and roll each in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
