Gooey Butter Cookies – Recipes on a Budget

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, offering a soft, buttery texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The dough is made from a simple yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and a touch of vanilla extract, making them easy to whip up but incredibly delicious. The powdered sugar coating gives each cookie a festive, snowy appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert spread, these gooey butter cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix well until fully combined into a dough.
Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until the mixture is creamy and fully incorporated.
Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just slightly golden on the edges. They should be soft and gooey in the center.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. This will keep them soft and chewy.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 7 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cookies from drying out.
Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: To reheat, place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm.
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore some of their original softness.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes! You can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, spice, or red velvet cake mix for different variations.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips? Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, and then bake the cookies when you’re ready.
How do I store these cookies for longer periods? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Why are my cookies too flat? If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent this.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough in balls. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if I don’t have parchment paper? You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease your baking sheet instead of parchment paper.
Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese? Yes, but the cookies may not be as rich and creamy as using full-fat cream cheese.
Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough, refrigerate it, and bake the cookies later.
How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies should be soft and slightly golden around the edges. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Can I use a different type of sugar for rolling? Powdered sugar is ideal for the coating, but you could use granulated sugar if necessary. However, powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature snow-like coating.
Can I make these cookies without eggs? You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking? Yes, once they’ve cooled, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
What’s the best way to keep these cookies soft? Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking, as they should remain soft and gooey.
Can I add spices to the dough, like cinnamon or nutmeg? Yes! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can give these cookies a cozy, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
Why are my cookies cracking? This may be due to overbaking or the dough being too dry. Make sure to not overmix the dough and keep an eye on the baking time.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cake mix, non-dairy butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How do I prevent overmixing the dough? Mix the dough gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky? If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.
Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be soft and gooey in the center.
Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing and a creamier texture.
Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Roll the dough in powdered sugar generously to get that festive, snowy look.
Mix the dough until just combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid overworking the batter.
Check the cookies early to ensure they don’t overbake. The edges should be golden, but the center should remain soft.
Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
Avoid pressing the dough balls flat; they should stay round to maintain their soft texture.
Use a cookie scoop to make uniform dough balls for even baking.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow for proper spreading and even heat circulation.
Freeze the dough balls before baking to help them retain their shape.
Decorate with festive sprinkles to make them extra special for Christmas.
Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating—it’s essential for that signature gooey texture.
Use a light touch when mixing to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Store in a sealed container with a piece of bread to help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft.
Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
If making in bulk, double the recipe and freeze extra dough for later use.
Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat!