Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with buttery goodness. With their festive colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make the perfect holiday treat for cookie exchanges, dessert tables, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Made with cream cheese and butter, these cookies have a rich flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Festive Appearance – The addition of red and green sprinkles makes them perfect for the holiday season.
• Soft & Chewy Texture – The combination of butter and cream cheese ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Great for Gifting – These cookies store well and make a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun recipe to bake with the family, letting kids decorate with colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Powdered sugar
• Red and green sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls.
6. Coat & Decorate: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar and then gently press sprinkles onto the surface.
7. Bake: Arrange cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Different Colors: Swap the red and green sprinkles for blue and white for a winter wonderland theme.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week for extra freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly and bake as directed.
• Reheating: If desired, warm cookies in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Chilling the dough and not overbaking are key to achieving a soft and chewy texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor, margarine can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is a good substitute, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?

Yes, this helps create the signature gooey, crinkled appearance.

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding a few drops of red or green food coloring makes them even more festive.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the dough isn’t chilled long enough or if too much butter was used.

Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?

You can, but the texture and flavor will be different from the homemade version.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for the best freshness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

Conclusion

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Their soft, buttery texture, festive colors, and sweet flavor make them a must-have for holiday gatherings. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy to the season!

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