Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Every Christmas, I can’t wait to bake a batch of these soft and buttery cookies that taste like pure holiday joy.

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I love how they’re chewy, gooey, and covered in powdered sugar that looks just like snow.

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect festive treat for parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the tree.

I like adding colorful Christmas sprinkles to make them extra cheerful and fun.

They look so pretty on the dessert table and taste even better fresh from the oven.

Quick Recipe Info	Details
Calories	135 kcal per cookie
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	19 g
Fat	6 g
Sugar	11 g
Gluten-Free	No
Vegan	No
Contains Dairy	Yes
Texture	Soft, gooey, and chewy
Main Flavor	Butter and vanilla with a festive touch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• These cookies are buttery, gooey, and full of holiday flavor.
• They’re super easy to make, even if you’re not an expert baker.
• The festive sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas celebrations.
• You only need a few simple ingredients to make them.
• They’re soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge.
• Perfect for cookie trays, gifts, or late-night holiday cravings.
• The dough can be made ahead for busy holiday baking days.

Ingredients to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

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I love how this recipe uses basic ingredients but turns out so rich and festive. The sprinkles add a pop of color and make them even more fun to bake with family.

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) – The cake mix gives these cookies their sweet, buttery flavor and soft structure.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – Makes the cookies extra creamy and gives them that signature gooey center.
• 1 large egg – Holds everything together while keeping the cookies moist.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling) – Creates that classic Christmas snowy coating on the cookies.
• ¼ cup red and green Christmas sprinkles – Adds a fun, festive touch to each bite and makes the cookies look extra special.

Steps to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

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This recipe is simple to follow and fills your kitchen with the coziest holiday aroma. Just follow each step, and you’ll have the most delicious cookies to share.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix again until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix into the mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. The dough will be sticky, so chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Step 3: Add Sprinkles and Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles. Scoop small portions of dough with a tablespoon and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar until completely covered.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers remain soft.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’ll have the perfect gooey texture with a festive, buttery flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

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These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for serving warm right out of the oven with a dusting of extra powdered sugar. I love pairing them with hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.

You can also place them on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies like sugar cookies and gingerbread. They add color and texture to any dessert spread and look beautiful with their powdery coating and colorful sprinkles.

For parties, serve these cookies with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They also make a lovely addition to holiday gift boxes wrapped with ribbons and tags.

If you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, these cookies go perfectly with a cup of cappuccino or spiced tea. Their sweet and buttery flavor balances savory breakfast dishes beautifully.

Can We Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in Advance?

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Yes, you can easily make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time. The dough holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.

If you want to save even more time, you can roll the dough balls and freeze them. When ready to bake, just thaw slightly and coat them with powdered sugar before placing them in the oven.

Baked cookies can also be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. They’ll still taste soft, buttery, and delicious.

I like making the dough a day before my Christmas party, so baking is quick and stress-free. It’s one of those recipes that makes holiday baking feel effortless and fun.

Tips and Tricks

Always use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth dough and a creamy texture. Cold ingredients can make the batter lumpy and uneven.

Don’t overbake the cookies because the centers should stay slightly gooey and soft. The edges should be firm, but the middle should still look a little underdone when you take them out.

Chilling the dough makes rolling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much. It also helps maintain their thick, chewy shape.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Yes, you can use vanilla, red velvet, or chocolate cake mix instead of yellow. Each flavor gives the cookies a new twist while keeping the same gooey texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it works perfectly.

Why are my cookies too flat?
If your cookies turned out flat, the dough may have been too warm. Always chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I skip the cream cheese?
No, the cream cheese is what makes these cookies rich and gooey. It gives them that signature soft center that makes them special.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients evenly. The cookies bake beautifully in batches and are great for holiday parties or gifting.

Do I need to refrigerate the cookies after baking?
Not unless your kitchen is very warm. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days in an airtight container.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but real butter gives a much better flavor and texture. The buttery richness is what makes these cookies irresistible.

Conclusion

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are everything I love about the holidays—soft, sweet, and full of buttery goodness. They’re festive, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

I love how the cream cheese makes them melt in your mouth while the sprinkles add a cheerful Christmas touch. Whether you bake them for parties or as gifts, they’re always a hit.

So this holiday season, turn on your favorite Christmas music, grab your mixing bowl, and bake a batch of these gooey delights. They’re the kind of cookies that make every bite feel like Christmas magic.