Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: 5 Cozy Holiday Treats

When the holidays roll around, there’s one thing I always make sure of — my kitchen smells like butter, vanilla, and pure Christmas joy. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and practically melt in your mouth. Plus, they look like little snow-dusted ornaments straight from Santa’s workshop. If you’re looking for a cookie that’ll steal the show at your next holiday party or cookie exchange, this is it.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies aren’t just delicious — they’re a holiday experience. Here’s why they’ll win your heart (and everyone else’s):

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection: Each bite is soft, buttery, and gooey in the best possible way — like a cross between cake and a cookie.
• Festive and Fun: The red and green sprinkles make these cookies sparkle with Christmas cheer — they’re basically holiday happiness you can eat.
• Crazy Easy to Make: With a simple cake mix shortcut, you can have a full batch ready in under 30 minutes (plus a little chill time!).
• Family-Friendly Baking: The dough is perfect for little hands to roll in powdered sugar — it’s a holiday activity and treat in one.
• Perfect for Gifting or Sharing: Stack them in a festive tin, wrap them with a bow, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’ll make anyone smile.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s an office potluck, cookie swap, or cozy night by the tree, these cookies never last long.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Chill or freeze the dough for a stress-free baking day. You can bake them fresh anytime you need a little holiday magic.

If your December calendar looks anything like mine (aka: full of shopping, school concerts, and last-minute wrapping marathons), this recipe will become your little baking miracle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. No sticking, no stress.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where that signature buttery flavor begins.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Now, stir in your yellow cake mix. It’ll form a thick, sticky dough — kind of like playdough for grown-ups. (Resist the urge to eat it all right now. I know. It’s hard.)

Step 4: Add a Pop of Color

Gently fold in your holiday sprinkles. Don’t overmix — we want those bright red and green flecks to shine through every bite.

Step 5: Chill Out

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 6: Roll in Sweet Snow

Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll each one in powdered sugar until it’s fully coated. This gives them that snowy, festive look — and a touch of extra sweetness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool — if you can resist eating them right away!

Mounia’s Cozy Kitchen Tip

If your cookies look too puffy right out of the oven, give the tray a gentle tap on the counter. It’ll help them settle into that perfect, chewy texture. And if your dough feels too sticky before chilling, just pop it in the fridge for an extra 10–15 minutes — patience pays off here.

These cookies also freeze beautifully. Just store them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. (That’s assuming they last that long!)

FAQs About Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

The Sweetest Part of the Season

There’s something magical about baking Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies — the buttery aroma, the sparkle of the sprinkles, and that first gooey bite that just melts away holiday stress. Whether you’re baking them with your kids, gifting them to neighbors, or sneaking a few for yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies bring all the cozy, nostalgic joy of the season.

So go ahead — pour a mug of cocoa, turn on some Christmas music, and bake a batch (or two). After all, Christmas calories don’t count, right?

More Holiday Favorites to Bake and Share

If you loved these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll want to add these festive and cozy recipes to your holiday baking list. They’re all easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for pairing with a cup of cocoa or sharing at your next Christmas get-together:

• Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – Soft, pull-apart bread oozing with cheese and holiday spirit — it’s the ultimate centerpiece for your festive table.
• Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch – A refreshing, fruity punch that keeps everyone (kids included) in the holiday mood.
• Christmas Cookie Dip – A creamy, irresistible dip that turns any cookie tray into a showstopper.
• Christmas Crack – A crunchy, caramel-chocolate treat that’s downright addictive and perfect for gifting.

Each of these festive recipes complements your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies beautifully, helping you create a complete holiday spread that’s merry, bright, and absolutely delicious!

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