Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies have become a classic holiday favorite, blending the festive spirit of the season with irresistible sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth richness. These cookies are inspired by the traditional St. Louis gooey butter cake, a beloved Midwestern dessert that dates back to the 1930s.
Over the years, creative bakers have transformed that iconic cake into a bite-sized cookie, creating the perfect holiday treat for Christmas cookie exchanges, office parties, or cozy nights by the fire.
The Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are made with simple ingredients but deliver a festive flair with their soft, buttery centers and snowy powdered sugar finish. They are renowned for their texture—chewy at the edges, gooey at the center, delightfully rich, and brimming with holiday cheer.
You can easily customize colors for the season, but this holiday version typically dazzles with red and green sprinkles or food coloring, bringing vibrant joy to your dessert table.
These cookies are incredibly simple to prepare, calling for cake mix, cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, with no need for complex baking techniques. This recipe is suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
If you are intrigued by the origins of gooey butter cakes, you can read more about their history at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/history/history-of-st-louis-gooey-butter-cake/article_93be8f94-124e-56a0-ae7e-2e7aba7b350d.html). Now, let’s dive into this easy and delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies recipe!
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green gel food coloring (optional)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles (optional)
Instructions for Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the cake mix, salt, and mix until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- If desired, divide the dough into two or three bowls. Add a few drops of red or green gel food coloring to each bowl and mix well to achieve festive colors.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until generously coated.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- If desired, top each dough ball with holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly gooey. Do not overbake.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
Nutritional Information
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are an indulgent treat, balancing creamy dairy ingredients with sweet cake mix and powdered sugar. On average, each cookie contains approximately 110-130 calories, with 4-5 grams of fat, 18-20 grams of carbohydrates, about 1 gram of protein, and 8-10 grams of sugar.
The primary sources of calories come from the butter, cream cheese, and cake mix, making these cookies delightfully rich. While they are undoubtedly a sweet treat, you can make some nutritional adjustments, such as opting for reduced-fat cream cheese or using a cake mix with fewer artificial ingredients.
For more detailed nutritional breakdowns of common baking components, see resources such as the USDA FoodData Central (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/), which provides comprehensive insights on individual ingredients. Remember, portion control is key when enjoying Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, as their irresistible taste might have you reaching for more than one!
These cookies are also free of nuts, making them accessible for those with nut allergies, but always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination if serving to a crowd with allergies. If you have dietary restrictions, consider trying plant-based substitutes or gluten-free cake mixes to tailor the recipe to your needs.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Pairing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with the right beverage enhances the holiday experience. Classic choices include a mug of hot cocoa or a spiced chai latte, which complement the cookies' rich, buttery flavor.
For adults, a glass of sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Riesling works beautifully, balancing the cookies' sweetness with subtle fruit notes. If you prefer red wine, consider a light Pinot Noir, which won't overpower the cookies' delicate texture.
Non-alcoholic options such as vanilla-infused milk or a peppermint latte also make festive and comforting accompaniments.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are easy to make, but a few helpful tips ensure the best possible results. Always allow your cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature before beginning; this makes mixing the dough easier and ensures smooth, lump-free cookies.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without changing the dough's texture—and remember, only a tiny amount is needed for festive color. If the dough feels sticky, chilling it for at least 30 minutes simplifies rolling and prevents excessive spreading.
When rolling the dough in powdered sugar, be generous: a thick coating helps create that classic crinkled effect and prevents sticking. Do not overbake; the hallmark of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is their slightly underdone, gooey centers.
Cookies should be just set at the edges and soft in the middle when removed from the oven; they will continue to firm up slightly as they cool. For variation, try using different cake mix flavors such as chocolate or red velvet, or add peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Decorate with colored sugars, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips for even more seasonal fun. If you need to make the cookies ahead, the unbaked dough balls can be frozen on a baking sheet until solid, then stored in an airtight container.
When ready, bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies shine as a centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve them arranged on a decorative platter dusted with extra powdered sugar to create a snowy effect reminiscent of a winter wonderland.
They're perfect for Christmas cookie swaps, office parties, or simply placed out for Santa on Christmas Eve. For a fun family activity, set up a cookie decorating station with bowls of colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and edible glitter so everyone can customize their treats.
These cookies make thoughtful edible gifts—pack them in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon or tuck them inside a holiday cookie tin for a special homemade present. When serving at a party, pair Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies alongside other seasonal favorites like gingerbread or snickerdoodles for a diverse dessert spread.
You can even use these cookies as an accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sandwich a dollop of marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a truly decadent dessert experience.
However you present them, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer and become a beloved part of your Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Health Benefits
Though Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are rich and indulgent, you can make healthier choices by adjusting certain ingredients. Opt for reduced-fat or light cream cheese to cut down on saturated fat and calories.
You can also seek out cake mixes with fewer artificial additives or explore gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary sensitivities. Moderation is recommended, as these cookies are high in sugar and carbohydrates, contributing to energy levels but best enjoyed as a treat.
Substituting part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce can help reduce the fat content without sacrificing moisture. For those with dairy allergies, vegan butter and non-dairy cream cheese make suitable replacements.
Enjoying treats such as Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in the context of a balanced diet contributes to a joyful, sustainable approach to holiday eating.
FAQs About Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon cake mix for a unique twist while maintaining the gooey center and buttery taste.
Do Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies need to be refrigerated after baking?
No, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What makes the cookies ‘gooey’?
The combination of softened cream cheese, butter, and careful underbaking ensures the iconic gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect festive treat to brighten any holiday celebration, combining easy preparation with nostalgic, creamy flavor and eye-catching, colorful appeal. Their gooey centers, snowy powdered sugar exteriors, and flexibility for decorative customization make them a must-bake recipe each Christmas season. Whether shared with family or offered as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition, evoking joy and togetherness around every plate.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
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3Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
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4Gradually add the cake mix and a pinch of salt, mixing until a thick dough forms.
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5Fold in holiday sprinkles. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
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6Place balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft. Cool before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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