The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious baked goods. There’s something magical about the way a warm cookie can bring people together, and one that stands out in holiday baking is the Holiday Gooey Butter Cookie. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, dusted with powdered sugar, and bursting with the rich flavor of butter and cream cheese. It’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family, or to enjoy while curled up by the fire. These cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking traditions.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about making Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies — from why they’re so irresistible to step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. So, let’s dive into the magic of these cookies and make your holidays even sweeter!

What Makes Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies So Irresistible?

When it comes to holiday baking, you want a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent — and that’s exactly what you get with these Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies stand out for several reasons:

• Soft, Chewy Texture: The secret to their melt-in-your-mouth goodness lies in the combination of cream cheese and butter. This duo creates a soft, chewy texture that’s unlike any other cookie you’ve had before.
• Easy to Make: Despite their decadent taste, these cookies are incredibly simple to make. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch of gooey butter cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
• Festive Appeal: The colorful holiday sprinkles on top add a fun, festive touch that makes these cookies perfect for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting them to a friend, these cookies bring holiday cheer in every bite.

Ingredients for the Perfect Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies:

Table: Ingredients for Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Full-fat cream cheese (softened)	8 ounces	Adds creaminess and richness to the cookies
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup	Provides a buttery flavor and soft texture
Large egg	1	Binds the ingredients together
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Adds depth of flavor
Yellow cake mix	1 (15.25-ounce) box	Forms the base of the dough
Holiday sprinkles	½ cup	Adds a festive, fun touch
Powdered sugar	½ cup	Used for coating, giving the cookies a sweet finish

Tip:

To ensure the best texture and flavor, it’s important to use full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter. These ingredients help create the rich, gooey texture that makes these cookies a holiday favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully heated before you start baking to ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the Dough

• Cream the butter and cream cheese together: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will form the base for your cookies and provide that signature gooey texture.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract: Once the butter and cream cheese are combined, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
• Stir in the cake mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. It should be thick and sticky, which is exactly what you want for these cookies.

3. Coat the Dough in Powdered Sugar

• Shape the dough into balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This size helps the cookies bake evenly while keeping them soft and gooey.
• Coat in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, making sure to coat it completely. This gives the cookies a sweet, slightly crispy outer layer and helps them retain their gooey center.

4. Bake the Cookies

• Place on a baking sheet: Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
• Bake: Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone — they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

5. Garnish with Holiday Sprinkles

Once your cookies have cooled slightly, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Roll the cookies in holiday sprinkles for a festive look, or leave them plain if you prefer. Either way, they’ll taste amazing!

Tips for Perfect Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies

Here are some expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps the ingredients blend together smoothly, creating the best texture for your cookies.
• Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Coating: The powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also helps create the signature gooey, crackly appearance that makes these cookies so irresistible.
• Customize Your Sprinkles: Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! You can choose colors that match the holiday you’re celebrating, like red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter.

How to Store and Serve Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies

Once your Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies are baked and decorated, you’ll want to know how to store them and keep them fresh.

• Storing: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will stay soft and gooey, just as they should.
• Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a Ziploc bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed — no need to thaw.
• Serving: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift exchanges, or as a special treat for yourself. Serve them with a hot drink, like cocoa or tea, for the ultimate cozy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies

Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A: While yellow cake mix creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture, you can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or spice cake, for a unique twist on this classic cookie.

Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A: You can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure the cake mix is labeled as gluten-free for the best results.

Q: Can I use less butter or cream cheese?

A: Reducing the butter or cream cheese will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. For the best, gooey results, it’s recommended to stick to the measurements provided in the recipe.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

A: The cookies will look slightly puffed and golden around the edges. They should still be soft in the center — don’t worry if they appear underbaked, as they will set as they cool.

Conclusion: The Perfect Holiday Treat

These Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try for your holiday baking. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a gift exchange, or just because, these cookies will add a sweet touch to any celebration.

Ready to Bake Your Own Batch of Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies?

What are you waiting for? Get your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking these delectable cookies today! Share them with friends and family or enjoy them all on your own — you deserve it! Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out, and subscribe for more holiday recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!

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