Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies 5 Irresistible Festive Epic.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies — a holiday hug you can whip up in minutes when your calendar is full. As a busy mom and professional who started Skinny Taste to prove that comforting, holiday-worthy flavors can come together with real, simple ingredients, I designed this recipe to fit real life. Cream cheese meets a vanilla cake mix for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, while a dusting of powdered sugar and festive sprinkles add Christmas sparkle. It’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well for cookie swaps, quick gifts, or a sweet-tooth fix after a hectic day. If you crave nostalgia without the heavy lifting, you’re in the right place. Read on to see why this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen and how you can make it your own this season.

What make this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies special

When my calendar fills up, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies feel like a holiday hug.
I love that this treat combines cream cheese with vanilla cake mix for ease.
They bake fast, look festive, and stay gooey in the center.

A warm, practical intro to why it works for busy families

For busy families, this recipe is a practical magic trick.
Only a few pantry staples, and the dough comes together fast.
It bakes quickly and still looks polished on a plate.

The gooey center that feels special but is simple to achieve

That melt-in-your-mouth center is yours with cream cheese and cake mix.
Don’t overbake; a soft center says holiday success, not a mistake.
Chill the dough a bit to keep that perfect, gooey surprise inside.

How the festive presentation makes it perfect for holidays

Sprinkles and a dusting of sugar turn these into holiday-ready bites.
They look cheerful on a plate and make easy gifts sparkle.
I love stacking them in tins for neighbors and co-workers.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

I love how these cookies slip into a busy week.
Fast to mix, easy to portion.
They bring holiday warmth without chaos.

Quick prep that fits a packed schedule

Quick prep fits my packed schedule.
Dough comes together with pantry staples.
A short chill keeps them neat.

Kid- and guest-friendly texture and flavor

Texture is soft and forgiving, great for kids.
Cream cheese keeps it tender; vanilla cake adds sweetness.
Sprinkles add holiday sparkle.

Ingredients Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Here’s the ingredient lineup for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Each item is measured to keep your bake stress-free.

• 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix — the tender, sweet base for the cookies
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened — creates the creamy, gooey center
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and helps the dough hold its shape
• 1 large egg — binds the dough for structure
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — brightens the flavor
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling) — adds a snowy coat and extra sweetness
• Christmas sprinkles — festive color and holiday vibe

I reach for these ingredients each holiday season; they come together fast and feel like a hug.

The exact quantities are listed above; print-friendly version with measurements is at the bottom.

This lineup covers festive cookies, cake mix cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday cookies, and gooey cookies.

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Here’s a simple, fail-proof, step-by-step method to make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 1 — Cream cheese and butter until fluffy

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy for a creamy base.

Step 2 — Add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3 — Add cake mix to form dough

Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms; avoid overmixing.

Step 4 — Fold in Christmas sprinkles

Gently fold in festive sprinkles for holiday color.

Step 5 — Chill the dough

Chill 30–60 minutes to make rolling easier and cookies hold shape.

Step 6 — Prep for baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); line a baking sheet with parchment.

Step 7 — Roll and sugar

Scoop 1-inch dough balls, roll in powdered sugar, place on sheet.

Step 8 — Bake

Bake 10–12 minutes until set but soft in the center.

Step 9 — Cool and enjoy

Let cookies cool completely; they stay irresistibly gooey inside.

Tips for Success

• I chill dough well for easy rolling, neat shapes in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
• Don’t overbake; I aim for softly gooey centers that linger in your mouth after a bite.
• I use room-temperature ingredients for a lighter, fluffier dough and even mixing, every time.
• I roll the dough in powdered sugar while it’s warm to boost the snowy coating and texture.
• I keep sprinkles colorful and evenly distributed for festive appeal on every bite.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (large, sturdy for beating cream cheese and butter)
• Electric mixer or whisk (hand whisk works if you don’t have a mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for precise cake mix and sugar)
• 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon (evenly-sized cookies)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (non-stick, easy cleanup)
• Baking sheet (rimmed for stability)
• Cooling rack (optional, speeds cooling)

Variations

• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty note in Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
• Swap vanilla cake mix for red velvet or cocoa cake mix for different flavors.
• Gluten-free option: use GF cake mix and GF cream cheese.
• Dairy-free: dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free butter; check cake mix ingredients too.
• Colorful sprinkles (red/green) for extra Christmas flair, or mix in edible glitter for sparkle.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of light vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
• I love pairing them with a mug of hot cocoa or cinnamon-spiced tea for a cozy moment.
• Plate with holiday greens or candy canes for festive presentation on the table.
• Add a pinch of edible glitter for photos.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

I keep a batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ready to go because life gets busy during the holidays. The magic is in making ahead so the gooey center stays soft and the cookies stay neat. Here are practical tips to prep ahead, store, and still have that fresh-baked feeling when you need it most.

Make-ahead dough

I often mix the dough the day before a bake sale or family gathering. After the dough comes together, I roll it into 1-inch balls and dust with powdered sugar. Then I refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking to lock in moisture and flavor.

Freezing dough balls

For a truly make-ahead plan, scoop and roll into sugar-coated balls, place on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and keep in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw briefly at room temperature and roll again in sugar if you like.

Storing baked cookies

Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. If you need longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months.

Reheating to revive gooey texture

Warm cookies briefly to revive the glow. In the microwave, give them 10-second bursts, checking after each. Or reheat in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes if you want a more even warmth.

Smart storage reminders

Label bags with date and contents to stay organized. Keep a small batch to enjoy fresh and plan freezer-friendly gifts. I like to stash a few in my car for spontaneous cookie swaps, too.

FAQs about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes. Wrap or freeze dough balls on a sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw and roll in sugar before baking.

Can I make these dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter, and replace with GF cake mix if needed.

Will they stay gooey after baking?

Yes, when slightly underbaked and cooled, they stay soft and gooey inside.

Can these cookies be made without eggs?

The egg helps with structure; you can try an egg substitute, but texture may vary.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bring a warm, festive smile to my busy days.
They feel like a holiday hug I can share without chaos.
Baking them reminds me that simple ingredients can carry big joy.

I love how these cookies blend nostalgia with practicality, turning a full week into a memory of warmth.
They travel well, gift nicely, and still taste like celebration.
If you need a small victory on a hectic day, remember: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are ready in minutes, and they always land with a smile.

May your kitchen feel bright, calm, and a little carefree.

Print