When the holiday season arrives, nothing feels more festive than baking a batch of cookies that everyone can enjoy together. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, sweet, and irresistibly chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. Made with cream cheese, butter, cake mix, and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re a fun twist on the classic gooey butter cake that originated in St. Louis.
What makes these cookies perfect for Christmas is how easy they are to prepare and how beautiful they look on a holiday cookie tray. Their slightly cracked tops dusted with powdered sugar resemble snow-covered cookies, and you can even add festive sprinkles for extra cheer. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, wrapping them up as gifts, or simply enjoying them with family, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday season.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Festive and beautiful – The powdered sugar coating looks like a snowy cookie.
- Quick and easy – Made with cake mix, so there’s minimal measuring.
- Soft and chewy – Perfect gooey texture in every bite.
- Great for gifting – Package them up in tins or bags for holiday presents.
- Customizable – Use sprinkles, food coloring, or different cake mix flavors to switch things up.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box (15–16 oz) yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional Add-ins:
- Red and green sprinkles
- White chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the dough – In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Add cake mix – Slowly beat in the dry cake mix until dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes (this makes rolling easier).
- Shape cookies – Scoop dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake – Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft.
- Cool and serve – Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired.
What to Serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha – Cozy and festive pairing.
- Holiday tea – Cinnamon or chai tea complements the sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream – For an extra indulgent dessert.
- Cookie trays – Pair with Gingerbread Cookies, Sugar Cookie Cheesecake bites, or Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
Tips for Perfecting Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Chill the dough – Prevents cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t overbake – They should look slightly underdone in the center for that gooey texture.
- Use fresh powdered sugar – Helps coat cookies evenly.
- Add sprinkles before baking – For extra holiday flair, mix red and green sprinkles into the dough.
- Store properly – Keep them soft by storing in an airtight container.
Storing and Freezing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator – Lasts up to 7 days (best served at room temperature).
- Freezer – Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try red velvet, chocolate, or funfetti for different holiday themes.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling makes rolling easier and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
Why are my cookies too hard?
They were likely overbaked—remove them when the edges are just set.
Can I make these ahead for Christmas?
Definitely! The dough can be prepared a day ahead and chilled until ready to bake.
Conclusion
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie—easy to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely delicious. With their soft, chewy texture and snowy powdered sugar finish, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking lineup.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Add cake mix to wet ingredients and stir until combined. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, then in sprinkles.
- Place on baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes, until cookies are set but still soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.