Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies transform cake mix, cream cheese, and butter into soft, chewy centers with crackly powdered sugar crusts studded with holiday sprinkles.

These no-roll, 20-minute treats yield 36 melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for cookie exchanges.

These goodies are easy, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for holiday baking marathons. Cake mix shortcut delivers bakery texture without chill time.

Why This Recipe Works

Cream cheese creates signature gooey centers without eggs. Cake mix provides perfect structure and sweetness balance. Powdered sugar coating cracks dramatically during baking. Sprinkles add festive crunch without color bleeding. High hydration yields tender crumb.

Ingredients & Prep

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 box (15 oz) white cake mix
  • ½ cup holiday sprinkles, divided
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F; line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Beat butter and cream cheese 2 minutes until smooth; add egg and vanilla.
  3. Mix in cake mix until dough forms; stir in ¼ cup sprinkles.
  4. Scoop 1-tbsp balls; roll in powdered sugar until thickly coated.
  5. Place 2 inches apart; bake 10–12 minutes until edges set but centers soft.
  6. Cool 5 minutes on sheet; sprinkle extra sugar.

Flavor Variations

VariationKey Add/SwapResulting Twist
Red VelvetRed velvet cake mixPink chocolatey
LemonLemon cake mix + zestCitrus bright
PeppermintPeppermint extractCandy cane
ChocolateChocolate cake + Andes mintsFudgy mint

Storage Tips

Airtight room temperature 5 days; freeze 2 months.

FAQs

Spread too much?
Chill dough 30 minutes; use smaller scoops.

Cracked tops?
Perfect embrace the gooey butter signature.

Gluten-free?
GF cake mix works perfectly.

Conclusion

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies deliver chewy powdered perfection holiday must.

Print

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Soft, pillowy Christmas gooey butter cookies made with cream cheese and cake mix, rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy holiday look. Ultra chewy, festive, and incredibly easy to make.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  • Optional: red & green sprinkles or holiday sanding sugar

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • 3. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
  • 4. Gradually mix in cake mix until a thick dough forms.
  • 5. Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
  • 6. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll generously in powdered sugar.
  • 7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  • 8. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
  • 9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Do not overbake cookies should look slightly underdone.
  • Add peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Christmas gooey butter cookies, holiday cake mix cookies, cream cheese cookies

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