Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: 7 Soft and Chewy Treats

November 12, 2025

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that will leave your guests craving more. These soft and chewy cookies are known for their gooey center, making them irresistible. Perfect for Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings, they embody the festive spirit with every bite. With a delightful blend of cream cheese and cake mix, these cookies not only deliver on flavor but also on nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional Christmas desserts. Let’s dive into how to make these deliciously festive cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are nothing short of spectacular! First, they’re incredibly easy, making them one of the best Christmas cookie ideas. Second, their soft and gooey texture is unlike any other, elevating them above standard Christmas butter cookies. Third, you can customize them with various sprinkles, making them perfect for any holiday celebration. Fourth, they are a delightful addition to your Christmas dessert recipes with gooey butter. Fifth, they’re made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Sixth, they are vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them!

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Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Gather these items:

8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese (Softened)
0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened)
1 Large Egg (Can swap for unsweetened applesauce)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Or peppermint extract for a twist)
15.25 oz Yellow Cake Mix (Can substitute with white or vanilla mix)
0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (For rolling dough balls)
0.5 cup Holiday Sprinkles (Optional)

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add egg and vanilla and mix until fluffy.
Step 3: Gradually stir in cake mix until a thick, uniform dough forms.
Step 4: Fold in holiday sprinkles gently until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6: Form dough balls about 1.5 inches in diameter and roll in powdered sugar.
Step 7: Place dough balls on baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Step 8: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance the gooey texture.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and consistency.
For a unique twist, swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract.
Monitor baking time closely; these cookies should be soft, not overbaked.
Consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

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Best Ways to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any festive gathering! Serve them on a decorative platter at your Christmas parties, or package them as sweet gifts for friends and family. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also make excellent additions to cookie exchanges, showcasing their delicious gooey butter cookie flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, though they are best enjoyed within a few days. If you want to make them ahead of time, consider freezing the cookie dough, which can be stored for up to three months. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

The secret lies in the combination of cream cheese and cake mix, which creates that desired gooey texture. Ensuring you chill the dough adequately before baking also contributes to their soft and chewy nature, making them irresistibly delicious.

Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it for several months. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you want them.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?

To avoid mistakes, ensure not to overbake the cookies. They should be soft when you remove them from the oven and will set as they cool. Following the chilling step is crucial to achieving the perfect gooey texture.

Variations of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with these fun variations! You can add crushed candy canes for a minty twist, or mix in different flavors of cake mix to customize your cookies. Consider swapping holiday sprinkles for chocolate chips or chopped nuts to create unique holiday gooey butter cookie variations. Whether you stick with the classic or get inventive, these cookies are sure to impress!