Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
The Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a soft, rich, and irresistibly sweet holiday treat that has become a favorite during the festive season. These cookies are known for their ultra-soft centers, crackled powdered sugar tops, and buttery vanilla flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they are quick to prepare and perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gift boxes, and holiday gatherings. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a crowd-pleasing dessert everyone loves.
Time and Servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
These Christmas gooey butter cookies are easy to make and ideal for baking ahead during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup (for coating) |
These ingredients combine to create cookies that are buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Egg
Mix in granulated sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Scoop dough into balls and roll generously in powdered sugar.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving for the perfect gooey texture.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog. They look beautiful on Christmas dessert platters and pair well with chocolate cookies, gingerbread, and sugar cookies. They also make excellent edible gifts when packed in festive tins or boxes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the cookies
- Skipping the chilling step
- Using cold butter or cream cheese
- Not coating thoroughly in powdered sugar
- Overmixing the dough
Chef’s Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture
- Chill dough longer if it feels sticky
- Add holiday sprinkles for a festive touch
- Mix in white chocolate chips for variation
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approx.)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Conclusion
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday dessert, offering a soft, buttery texture with a sweet powdered sugar finish. Simple to make and incredibly delicious, they are perfect for Christmas baking traditions, cookie exchanges, and festive celebrations. Once you bake these cookies, they’re sure to become a must-have recipe every holiday season.
FAQs
1. Why are my gooey butter cookies flat?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled long enough.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, cookie dough can be frozen for up to 2 months.
3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They stay soft for up to 5 days when stored properly.
4. Can I add flavors to this recipe?
Yes, lemon zest, almond extract, or chocolate chips work well.
5. Can I make these ahead for Christmas?
Absolutely, they are perfect for make-ahead holiday baking.
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