Indulge in the sweet and rich flavors of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies this holiday season. These delightful cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with a creamy center that melts in your mouth. With their festive appearance and incredible taste, they make a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or gathering. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this easy recipe will surely bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.
Ingredient Breakdown
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is essential for achieving the gooey texture of these cookies. You need 8 oz (one package) at room temperature. It contributes to the cookie’s moistness and rich flavor.
Unsalted Butter
Use 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. It should be softened to mix easily with other ingredients. This ingredient enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies.
Granulated Sugar
You will need 1 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness. The sugar helps create a lovely crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Eggs
Include 2 large eggs in your mixture. They provide structure and moisture to the cookies while aiding in binding all ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract
Using 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor profile. This simple ingredient elevates the overall taste of your cookies.
All-Purpose Flour
Add 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour to give structure to your cookies. It’s crucial not to over-mix once added; otherwise, it can lead to denser cookies.
Baking Powder
Incorporate 2 teaspoons of baking powder into the dry ingredients. This helps the cookies rise during baking, ensuring a light texture.
Powdered Sugar
You will also need additional powdered sugar for dusting on top after baking. About 1/2 cup gives that classic sweet finish and beautiful presentation.
Step By step Recipe: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking gooey butter cookies perfectly without overcooking them. Be sure your oven is fully preheated before placing any cookie trays inside.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and helps maintain an even bake throughout each batch of cookies.
Mix Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine room-temperature cream cheese and softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. This mixture should be fluffy before adding other ingredients.
Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix on low speed until well combined. Then add vanilla extract; beat until incorporated fully into the mixture for about another minute.
Incorporate Eggs
Add eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed until fully blended into your dough. Each egg should be mixed in completely before adding the next one to ensure proper consistency in your batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt thoroughly. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined; avoid over-mixing for best results.
Form Cookie Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart from each other. Make sure each ball has a similar size for uniform baking; this ensures even cooking across all cookies.
Bake Until Golden
Place trays in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft and slightly underbaked—this ensures that gooey texture we love in these cookies!
Cool Before Dusting
Remove cookies from the oven once baked; allow them to cool on the trays for about 5 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Let them cool completely so they stabilize before dusting with powdered sugar.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serve Fresh
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they retain their soft texture and warm gooiness. Consider serving them alongside hot cocoa or festive beverages for an extra treat!
Store Properly
To store leftover cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing individual cookies in freezer bags; they last up to three months frozen!
Reheat Before Serving
If you want that fresh-baked taste again after storing them, gently reheat chilled or frozen cookies in an oven set at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes before serving—this revives their gooey goodness!
Enjoy making these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! They are sure to satisfy everyone during your holiday gatherings!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired gooey texture. Mix until just combined, ensuring you maintain a light and airy structure.
Another pitfall is not chilling the dough before baking. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. Aim for at least 30 minutes of chilling time for the best results.
Using incorrect measurements is also a frequent error. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision. Even small discrepancies can significantly affect the final product’s texture and flavor.
Baking at an incorrect temperature can ruin your cookies. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust accordingly. An accurate oven thermometer can help you achieve consistent results every time you bake your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Lastly, neglecting to check for doneness can result in either undercooked or overcooked cookies. For gooey butter cookies, look for a slightly golden edge while the center remains soft and set.
Tips and tricks
To achieve perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, start with room-temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs. Room-temperature ingredients blend more easily, creating a smooth batter that contributes to the cookie’s overall texture.
Utilize parchment paper on your baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote even baking. This simple trick makes cleanup easier and ensures that your cookies do not lose their gooey goodness by sticking to the pan.
Consider adding festive flavors to your cookies by incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. These seasonal spices will elevate the taste profile and enhance the holiday spirit in each bite.
When shaping your dough into balls before baking, use a cookie scoop for uniformity in size. Uniform cookie sizes ensure even baking and consistent gooeyness across all cookies.
Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for added flavor and texture variety. These additional components can create a delightful surprise in every bite of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
Finally, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period allows them to firm up slightly while still maintaining their delicious gooey center.
Suggestions for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
For an extra indulgent treat, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over your cooled Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. This addition complements the cookie’s sweetness and adds an elegant touch perfect for holiday gatherings.
Pair these delightful cookies with a warm beverage such as hot cocoa or spiced chai tea during winter festivities. The comforting warmth of these drinks enhances the overall experience of enjoying your cookies on chilly days.
If you’re looking to share these treats with family and friends, package them in festive tins or boxes tied with ribbon. This thoughtful presentation makes them perfect gifts during the holiday season and shows you care about their enjoyment.
For those who love experimenting with flavors, try adding different extracts like almond or coconut instead of vanilla for unique twists on classic recipes. This small change can create exciting new flavors that keep everyone guessing during holiday celebrations.
Lastly, make sure to store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their gooeyness longer. Enjoy them within a week for optimal freshness!
FAQs
How long do Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies last?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies typically last about one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out while maintaining their characteristic gooey texture.
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky while preparing Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, try adding more powdered sugar gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough will help firm it up and make it easier to handle.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour in equal amounts when making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Ensure that it contains xanthan gum or add some separately to mimic traditional flour’s binding properties effectively.
You can enhance your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries. Feel free to get creative; just make sure they complement the cookie’s buttery flavor without overwhelming it!
To determine if your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are ready, look for slightly golden edges while keeping an eye on the centers—they should still appear soft but set. Remove them from the oven when they reach this stage for that perfect gooiness!
Summary
In summary, making delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies requires attention to detail and avoiding common mistakes such as overmixing and improper measurements. By following helpful tips like using room-temperature ingredients and experimenting with mix-ins, you’ll create delightful treats perfect for any holiday gathering or gift-giving occasion! Storing them correctly helps maintain their amazing flavor and texture so everyone can enjoy these festive favorites long after they’re baked!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
These delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with holiday flavor. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1 box of cake mix (yellow or white)
1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of powdered sugar (for dusting)
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
5. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
6. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
8. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, add red and green sprinkles before baking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday baking