Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a soft and chewy holiday favorite, packed with rich flavors and a delightful texture. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with your loved ones during the season. Add a sprinkle of festive decorations to brighten your holiday dessert table!

Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (yellow or vanilla)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Festive sprinkles (for decoration, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until combined. Gradually stir in the cake mix until just combined; the dough will be thick and sticky.
- Step 3: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to handle.
- Step 4: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop dough portions with a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll each into a ball. Coat each ball fully in powdered sugar and place them on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and tops show slight cracks. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 6: While still warm, add festive sprinkles on top if desired for a cheerful holiday touch.
Tips & Variations
- Try different cake mix flavors like chocolate or red velvet for a flavorful twist.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and taste.
- Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage
Store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw before serving for best results.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely. Peppermint, lemon, or other extracts can be used to customize the flavor to your liking.
PrintChristmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a soft, chewy, and rich holiday treat made with cake mix, cream cheese, and butter. These easy-to-make cookies offer a delightful gooey texture and can be decorated with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles, making them a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations or cookie exchanges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (yellow or vanilla)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Festive sprinkles (for decoration, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract, and beat until fully combined. Gradually mix in the cake mix until the dough becomes thick and sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.
- Shape the Cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar and place them on the lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Add Toppings: While the cookies are still warm, optionally sprinkle festive sprinkles on top to add a colorful holiday touch.
Notes
- Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or lemon to customize the flavor.
- You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated up to 3 days before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a perfect festive pairing.
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday treats, soft cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive cookies

