Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: 5-Step Delicious Recipe
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: The Magic of Christmas Cookies
- 2. Why You’ll Adore These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- 3. Gather Your Ingredients for Gooey Goodness
- 4. Mastering the 5-Step Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- 5. Pro Tips & Creative Variations for Your Cookies
- 6. Serving Suggestions: Sharing the Christmas Joy
Welcome to your new favorite holiday tradition! This recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is about to fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma and your cookie jar with pure joy. These cookies are delightfully soft, unbelievably chewy, and have a rich, buttery flavor that is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect festive dessert to share with loved ones.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this easy cookie recipe will guide you to perfect results every time. We’ve broken it down into simple, manageable steps to ensure your baking experience is as joyful as the season itself. Let’s get baking!
1. Introduction: The Magic of Christmas Cookies
There’s something truly magical about baking during the Christmas season. The scent of vanilla, butter, and sugar warming in the oven is the essence of holiday comfort. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies capture that magic in every single bite.
Inspired by the classic St. Louis gooey butter cake, these cookies offer a unique texture that’s a cross between a soft-baked cookie and a rich, tender cake. They are guaranteed to be a standout on any holiday dessert table. See others recipes here to build the perfect holiday spread!
2. Why You’ll Adore These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
What makes this recipe so special? First, the texture is out of this world. The cream cheese in the dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that you won’t find in an average sugar cookie. They are rich and decadent without being overly sweet.
Second, this is an incredibly easy cookie recipe. With just a handful of common ingredients and five simple steps, you can create a batch of bakery-quality treats. They are perfect for last-minute cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy night in by the fire. You’ll love making these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies year after year.
3. Gather Your Ingredients for Gooey Goodness
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients. Using high-quality, room-temperature ingredients is key to achieving that perfect gooey texture. Sourcing good butter is key, and you can learn more about different types from resources like King Arthur Baking.
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- 1 box (15.25 oz or ~432g) yellow or butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
- Red and green sprinkles, for decorating (optional)
4. Mastering the 5-Step Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Follow these five steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. This is where the holiday magic truly begins!
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4.1. Step 1: Creaming the Base (Preparation)
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light, creamy, and completely smooth. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cookie. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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4.2. Step 2: Blending in the Magic (Mixing)
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined. Gradually add the dry cake mix, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix the dough.
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4.3. Step 3: Chilling and Rolling (The Fun Part!)
The dough will be very soft. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. This step is essential for making the dough manageable. Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until it’s generously coated.
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4.4. Step 4: Baking to Perfection (Cooking)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. If you’re using sprinkles, gently press a few onto the top of each cookie. This is a great holiday dessert for kids to help with!
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4.5. Step 5: Dusting with Cheer (Finishing)
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft and puffy. The cookies will look slightly underdone, which is the secret to their gooey texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, you can lightly dust them with more powdered sugar once cooled.
5. Pro Tips & Creative Variations for Your Cookies
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try for your next batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and makes them much easier to roll.
- Get Colorful: Add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough for a more festive look before chilling.
- Flavor Twists: Swap the almond extract for peppermint extract for a candy cane flavor, or add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Add-Ins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips or festive sprinkles into the dough before chilling for extra texture and flavor.
6. Sharing the Christmas Joy
These beautiful crinkle-topped cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion. Arrange them on a platter for a Christmas party, pack them in festive tins as a homemade gift for friends and neighbors, or simply leave a plate out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee. No matter how you serve them, these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to spread cheer and become a cherished part of your holiday baking repertoire.
Foire Aux Questions
How do I store leftover Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft and fresh. Due to the cream cheese, if you live in a very warm climate, you may prefer to store them in the refrigerator.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?
The most common reason for excessive spreading is that the dough was not chilled long enough. Chilling solidifies the fats (butter and cream cheese), which helps the cookies hold their shape. Also, ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. If your kitchen is very warm, try chilling the rolled dough balls for another 15 minutes on the baking sheet before placing them in the oven.