Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

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Nothing quite captures the magic of the holiday season like a plate full of soft, pillowy cookies dusted with powdered sugar and sprinkled with festive red and green. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are that perfect treat—melting in your mouth with rich vanilla flavor, a hint of cream cheese tang, and a tender center that feels like a warm holiday hug.

These cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday movie marathons, or simply making memories in the kitchen with loved ones. They start with a cake mix, making them incredibly easy to whip up, even during the busiest time of year. Each bite is sweet, chewy, and irresistibly gooey, coated in snowy powdered sugar for the ultimate Christmas cookie experience.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking these festive delights, having the right tools makes all the difference:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a medium and large bowl—one for dry and one for wet ingredients. A large bowl makes it easier to fold the dough together without overworking it.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is essential for blending the cream cheese and butter smoothly until fluffy. It creates the ideal cookie texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps keep the cookie sizes uniform so they bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and allows for even browning on the bottom of each cookie.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Speeds up the cooling process and helps maintain the cookies’ shape.

Taking a few minutes to prep your station with these tools will set you up for a smooth, joyful baking experience.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a key role in achieving that soft, gooey texture and rich holiday flavor:

• Yellow Cake Mix – This is the base of the recipe, giving structure, sweetness, and flavor in one convenient package.
• Cream Cheese – Adds a tangy richness and creamy texture that keeps the cookies ultra-soft.
• Unsalted Butter – Softened butter blends with the cream cheese to create a silky dough and contributes to the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Egg – Acts as the binding agent, helping everything come together for a smooth dough.
• Vanilla Extract – Boosts the flavor, giving the cookies a warm, cozy aroma.
• Powdered Sugar – For coating the cookies before baking, giving them their classic snow-covered holiday look.
• Holiday Sprinkles – Optional but festive! Red and green sprinkles add the perfect cheerful touch to every bite.

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How To Make the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring a soft texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.

Step 3: Mix in the Cake Mix

Slowly add the yellow cake mix, blending on low speed. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop, roll into balls, and generously coat each one in powdered sugar. If desired, press a few holiday sprinkles on top for extra color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store Your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature when the centers are still soft and tender. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive eggnog. For presentation, arrange them on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar, and don’t forget those holiday sprinkles—they make the cookies pop!

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead, these cookies also freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temp before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges will look set, but the centers should appear soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic buttery flavor, you can try white, vanilla, or even spice cake mix for a holiday twist.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I skip the sprinkles?

Of course! The sprinkles are just for fun and color. The cookies are just as delicious without them.

What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?

Let the cookies cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles well, making it perfect for big gatherings or cookie trays.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other seasonal favorites from Life With Olivia:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth classic.
• Brownie Mix Cookies for a rich, chocolatey indulgence.
• Coconut Snowballs if you love a no-bake, bite-sized holiday treat.
• Traditional German Lebkuchen for a spiced cookie that feels like Christmas in every bite.
• Apple Enchiladas for something a little different but equally sweet and festive.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra vanilla? Use a different sprinkle combo? Maybe turn them into cookie sandwiches?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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