Festive Gooey Butter Cookies – A Christmas Treat to Savor

The holiday season is all about joy, laughter, and delicious treats that bring everyone together. These Festive Gooey Butter Cookies, also known as Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies, are the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. They’re soft, sweet, and full of festive cheer thanks to colorful sprinkles and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

I’ll admit, my first attempt at baking these cookies didn’t go quite as planned. While bopping along to some holiday tunes, I managed to spill sprinkles everywhere. Lesson learned: maybe keep the dancing to a minimum while measuring ingredients! But despite the initial chaos, these cookies turned out to be a hit, and now they’re a holiday tradition in my home.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Gooey Butter Cookies

Perfect for the Holidays

These cookies are bursting with holiday spirit, thanks to their festive sprinkles and buttery-soft texture. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients—including boxed cake mix—this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to whip up. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find these cookies a breeze to make.

Customizable and Fun

You can easily add your own twist to this recipe. From mini chocolate chips to crushed candy canes, there are endless ways to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough

• 8 oz cream cheese: Softened for a creamy, rich texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Also softened to blend seamlessly into the dough.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: The secret to a quick and easy dough.

For the Toppings

• ½ cup powdered sugar: Coats the cookies for a snowy, festive finish.
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles: Adds a pop of color and fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. The key here is to ensure there are no lumps, as this will give the cookies their signature soft texture.

Add the Cake Mix

Gradually incorporate the yellow cake mix into the wet ingredients. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. The dough will feel denser than traditional cookie dough, but don’t worry—this is exactly how it should be.

Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed and muddy the festive look.

Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Form the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully covered.

Bake the Cookies

Place the 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 are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to serve—or to be devoured straight from the rack!

Tips for the Perfect Festive Gooey Butter Cookies

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Softened cream cheese and butter blend more easily, creating a smooth dough. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe.

Chill the Dough

This step is essential for managing the stickiness of the dough and ensuring the cookies bake evenly. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes in the freezer can help.

Customize the Sprinkles

Choose sprinkles that match the occasion. While holiday colors work perfectly for Christmas, you can switch to pastel shades for Easter or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.

Don’t Overbake

The cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. This ensures they remain soft and gooey as they cool.

Why This Festive Gooey Butter Cookies recipe Works

A Shortcut with Cake Mix

Using a boxed cake mix simplifies the recipe without compromising on flavor. It provides the perfect base for soft, fluffy cookies with minimal effort.

Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist.

Festive Appeal

The colorful sprinkles and powdered sugar coating make these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Peppermint Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a crowd-friendly treat.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or orange for a bright, zesty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Party: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine.
• Gifting: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins for a homemade holiday gift.
• Dessert Spread: Pair with brownies, fudge, or other holiday cookies for a decadent dessert table.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration

If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Try It Today

Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Baking

The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your home with the warm, sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. These Festive Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to bring joy, laughter, and festive cheer into your kitchen. As you gather your ingredients, you’ll feel the excitement of creating something that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Simple Yet Spectacular

One of the best things about these cookies is how easy they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of soft, buttery cookies that look like they came straight from a bakery. The addition of colorful sprinkles and a powdered sugar coating makes them feel extra special, perfect for the holiday season.

Bake with Love and Laughter

Baking these cookies is an activity that brings people together. Whether you’re baking with kids, friends, or family, it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. Picture your little ones rolling dough balls in powdered sugar or sneaking sprinkles when they think you’re not looking. It’s these small moments that make the holidays magical.

A Versatile Treat for Every Occasion

These cookies aren’t just for Christmas—they’re perfect for any festive gathering or casual get-together. Serve them at holiday parties, pack them in tins for thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them a universal favorite.

Tips for a Stress-Free Baking Experience

• Prep Ahead: Mix the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor.
• Involve Everyone: Turn baking into a family affair by assigning tasks like mixing, rolling, and decorating.
• Get Creative: Swap the holiday sprinkles for chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even edible glitter to match your theme.

Share the Joy

Holiday baking isn’t complete until you’ve shared your creations. Pack these cookies in festive boxes or bags and gift them to neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They also make a stunning addition to a cookie swap. Sharing these treats is a wonderful way to spread warmth and cheer.

A Little Indulgence for Yourself

While these cookies are great for sharing, don’t forget to save a few for yourself. Pair them with a warm drink and enjoy a quiet moment amid the holiday hustle. The soft, gooey texture and rich buttery flavor are the ultimate comfort on a chilly winter day.

Start Your Holiday Tradition

Why not make these Festive Gooey Butter Cookies a new holiday tradition? Each year, as you dust them with powdered sugar and listen to your favorite holiday tunes, you’ll be reminded of the simple joys of the season.

Gather your ingredients, tie on your apron, and let the baking begin. These cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience, a memory, and a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be as sweet as these delightful treats!

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