Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and delightfully gooey treats perfect for the holiday season. These cookies combine simple ingredients like cream cheese and butter to create a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich, festive flavor. Easy to make and ideal for gifting or sharing, they capture the warmth and joy of the holidays in every bite.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
- Optional: Christmas sprinkles or melted white/dark chocolate for garnish
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Soften the 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.
- 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. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, homogenous mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend), baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the dough soft and slightly sticky without overworking it.
- 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. Optionally, chill the dough briefly in the refrigerator for firmer cookies and easier handling.
- Bake and Finish: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar on each cookie for the signature gooey butter cookie look and extra sweetness. Add optional sprinkles or drizzled chocolate as desired.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth batter and consistent texture.
- Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to prevent tough cookies.
- Remove cookies from the oven as soon as edges set to maintain a gooey center.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar immediately after baking for the best appearance and sweetness.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine, cream cheese with plant-based alternative, and eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacements.
- To make variations, add mini chocolate chips, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, citrus zest, or chopped nuts to the dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for up to two months.
- Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday baking, soft cookies, butter cookies, festive cookies, gluten-free cookies, easy holiday dessert