Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that combines buttery richness with a delightfully soft and gooey texture, look no further than Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies are the ultimate holiday bake—perfect for sharing with family and friends, gifting to neighbors, or enjoying alongside your favorite warm drink. The simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a dessert that melts in your mouth while capturing the spirit of the holiday season in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft Texture: These cookies have a moist, melt-in-your-mouth feel that’s seriously addictive.
• Rich, Buttery Flavor: Each bite is infused with creamy butter that makes every crumb feel luxurious.
• Easy Holiday Baking: The straightforward recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels and holiday schedules.
• Beautiful Festive Look: Sprinkled with powdered sugar or Christmas sprinkles, these cookies add charm to any dessert table.
• Great for Gifting and Sharing: These cookies hold up well in tins, making them an excellent seasonal gift option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine to deliver incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the cream cheese enhancing moistness or the vanilla adding that festive warmth.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for structure and makes the cookies light yet sturdy.
• Butter: Unsalted, softened butter adds rich flavor and contributes to the gooey consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese provides extra moistness and a slight tang that balances sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that crisp edge on the outside.
• Powdered Sugar: Sprinkled on top for that snowy, festive finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to enhance the holiday vibe.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients while contributing to the cookie’s softness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly without losing their gooeyness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings all flavors together beautifully.

Variations for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

This recipe is a fantastic starting point that you can easily tweak to match your personal taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Chocolate Chip Twist: Add mini chocolate chips for delightful pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
• Spiced Up: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to bring extra warmth and spice for the holidays.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor and add a festive zing.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and a nutty flavor boost.

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by softening your butter and cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and light in texture. Adding eggs one at a time helps create a smooth, homogenous mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—you want to keep the dough soft and slightly sticky without overworking it.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optional: chill the dough briefly in the fridge for firmer cookies and easier handling.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar on each cookie, creating that signature gooey butter cookie look and extra sweetness.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and cream cheese ensures a smooth batter and consistent texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until the flour is incorporated prevents tough cookies.
• Watch the Baking Time: Remove cookies as soon as edges set to maintain that gooey center.
• Use Parchment Paper: For even baking and effortless cleanup, line your baking trays.
• Fresh Powdered Sugar: Dust cookies right after baking for the best appearance and sweetness.

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Add extra festive flair with a dusting of powdered sugar, colorful holiday sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these cozy cookies alongside a mug of spiced hot chocolate, peppermint coffee, or warm eggnog to elevate the holiday experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter or stack them in mason jars tied with festive ribbons for adorable gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to two months.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that delicious gooey texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative, along with a flax egg or other egg replacement to keep the texture gooey and soft.

What makes these cookies gooey?

The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough creates the signature moist, soft, and gooey interior that sets these cookies apart from typical ones.

Can I use a hand mixer or stand mixer?

Absolutely! Using a hand or stand mixer makes creaming the butter and cream cheese together easier and ensures a smooth batter.

Are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies gluten-free?

The classic recipe isn’t, but you can easily swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to five days at room temperature or up to two months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are truly one of those holiday treasures that delight every taste bud and bring smiles all around. Whether you’re baking for a festive party, cozy night in, or thoughtful gift, this recipe promises delicious, buttery gooeyness in every bite. Give it a try this season—you won’t regret sneaking a batch for yourself!

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