Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Starting with a boxed cake mix streamlines the preparation, making these cookies quick and straightforward to bake.
- Festive Appearance: Incorporating holiday sprinkles adds a cheerful touch, making these cookies a standout on any holiday dessert table.
- Versatility: The recipe allows for various flavor adaptations and mix-ins, enabling you to customize the cookies to your liking.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add Cake Mix: Stir in the yellow cake mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Incorporate Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding into the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 32 cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 20-22 minutes, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time.
Variations
- Different Cake Mixes: Substitute the yellow cake mix with vanilla or white cake mix for a subtle flavor change.
- Flavor Extracts: Introduce almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a unique holiday twist.
- Additional Mix-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes along with the sprinkles to enhance flavor and texture.
- Colored Dough: Add a few drops of red or green gel food coloring to the dough for a more festive appearance, or divide the dough and color each portion differently.
- Alternative Coatings: Roll the cookie dough in colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for a sparkling effect.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What makes these cookies “gooey”?
The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough gives these cookies their signature soft and gooey texture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use full-fat brick-style cream cheese. Low-fat or spreadable versions may result in a softer dough that’s harder to handle.
How can I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?
To minimize color bleeding, gently fold the sprinkles into the dough just until they’re evenly distributed, and avoid overmixing.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?
You can omit the sprinkles or substitute them with other festive mix-ins like colored sugar, nonpareils, or mini chocolate chips.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Ensure you have enough baking sheets and oven space to accommodate the increased quantity.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If the cookies spread too much and became flat, it could be due to not chilling the dough long enough or using overly softened butter and cream cheese. Ensure these ingredients are softened to room temperature but not melted, and chill the dough as directed.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Certainly! Chopped nuts like
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 40-42 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday favorite, combining the creamy texture of cream cheese with the convenience of cake mix. Bursting with festive sprinkles and a soft, gooey center, they’re the perfect treat for your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine with Cake Mix: Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Add Sprinkles: Fold in sprinkles carefully to avoid color bleeding.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop into 1 1/2-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and prevents spreading.
- For variations, try different cake mix flavors, extracts, or additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
