The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies are a must-have for your festive celebrations. Soft, buttery, and gooey in the center, these cookies are topped with festive sprinkles and a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Unlike traditional cookies that can require lengthy preparation, these butter cookies are super easy to make using a simple yellow cake mix combined with butter and cream cheese. The result is a soft, rich, and slightly chewy cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of festive sprinkles brings joy and holiday spirit to every bite, making these cookies perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or holiday gift baskets.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for making these delicious Christmas cookies, including detailed ingredients, step-by-step preparation instructions, serving suggestions, variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions.

Ingredients Overview

Understanding each ingredient ensures the cookies turn out soft, gooey, and full of flavor.

Egg

• 1 large egg

The egg binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough while maintaining softness.

Cake Mix

• 1 package yellow cake mix

Using cake mix simplifies the process, adding sweetness, flavor, and moisture to create soft, chewy cookies without needing to measure multiple dry ingredients.

Butter and Cream Cheese

• 1/2 cup butter
• 8 oz cream cheese

Butter provides richness and flavor, while cream cheese adds moisture and creates the signature gooey texture. Together, they ensure a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that holds its shape without being dense.

Flavoring

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.

Festive Touch

• Festive sprinkles
• Powdered sugar

Sprinkles bring a colorful, festive look to the cookies, while powdered sugar adds a light sweetness and decorative touch once baked.

Preparation Method

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly soft, gooey Christmas butter cookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. This ensures the base of your cookies is rich and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined, creating a smooth, homogenous dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for even baking.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles

Decorate each cookie with festive sprinkles, gently pressing them into the dough so they adhere during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas butter cookies are versatile and fun to serve:

Holiday Platters

Arrange on a festive plate or tray with other cookies and treats for holiday gatherings.

Gift Giving

Wrap in decorative tins or cellophane bags with ribbon to give as homemade holiday gifts.

Pairing

Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy winter treat.

Dessert Table

Include on a cookie buffet alongside brownies, fudge, and other holiday favorites for variety and visual appeal.

Variations and Enhancements

Customize these cookies to suit your taste or holiday theme:

Chocolate Chip Twist

Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.

Flavored Extracts

Experiment with almond extract, peppermint extract, or orange zest for a holiday-inspired flavor.

Different Cake Mixes

Use funfetti or spice cake mix for a colorful or seasonal variation.

Toppings

Instead of sprinkles, drizzle with melted chocolate, add crushed candy canes, or top with shredded coconut.

Mini Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop to create bite-sized cookies for parties or snack trays.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent, these cookies have some nutritional positives:

Protein and Calcium

Cream cheese and butter contribute small amounts of protein and calcium.

Portion Control

Making smaller cookies allows for enjoying the sweetness without overindulging.

Simple Ingredients

Using a pre-made cake mix reduces preparation time and the need for multiple processed ingredients.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, refrigerate cookies for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore softness.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead Dough

Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Scoop and bake when ready to enjoy freshly baked cookies.

Conclusion

Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies are a festive, soft, and indulgent treat that brings joy to any holiday occasion. Their simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible gooey texture make them perfect for family baking sessions, holiday parties, or gift-giving. With a delicate balance of sweet, creamy, and festive flavors, these cookies are sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for the gooey texture, but you could substitute with an additional 1/2 cup butter for a slightly different texture.

2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! Spice cake, funfetti, or white cake mixes work well for flavor variations.

3. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container once cooled. Adding cream cheese also helps retain moisture.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, shape dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely. Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can be folded into the dough for extra texture and flavor.

6. How should I serve them?

These cookies are perfect with hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or as part of a festive dessert tray.