If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth softness with the perfect touch of holiday cheer, this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies boast a rich, buttery base with a dreamy cream cheese center, all speckled with vibrant red and green sprinkles that bring out the joyful spirit of the season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or cozying up with a batch for yourself, these cookies effortlessly deliver big flavor and indulgent texture that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderful because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a cookie with truly irresistible texture and flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the cream cheese that gives the gooey softness, to the cake mix providing structure and that light crumb, and of course the festive sprinkles adding a pop of color and holiday fun.

Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation of the dough that ensures your cookies stay soft and tender.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds richness and the signature gooey texture that sets these cookies apart.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings a luscious buttery flavor and helps create a creamy dough.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, sweet aromatics that enhance the vanilla cake mix.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle nutty note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
Red and green sprinkles: Infuse holiday color and a fun crunch throughout each bite.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Creates a delicate outer crust, sealing in the soft center.

How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Butter Base

Start by beating your softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until the mixture is incredibly smooth and fluffy. This step is essential because it creates the velvety base that gives these cookies their signature gooey texture and rich flavor, so don’t rush—take your time to get it just right.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the almond extract. These liquids infuse the dough with depth and warmth, rounding out the buttery goodness with subtle aromatic hints that truly make the cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles

Gradually add in the vanilla cake mix and salt, gently folding them into the creamy mixture until a soft dough forms. The dough will be pliable but a little sticky—this perfect texture is what helps your cookies bake up with tender edges and a gooey center. Don’t forget to fold in a handful of red and green sprinkles now, giving your batch that unmistakable Christmas sparkle.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and pop it into the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, which helps your cookies keep their shape during baking and intensifies the flavors.

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Cookies

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then, generously coat each ball in powdered sugar to create a delicate outer crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Arrange the dough balls on your baking sheet, spacing each about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft and gooey. It’s crucial not to overbake here—those centers are the heart of this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the cookies set properly but still maintain their luscious softness once completely cooled.

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For extra charm, press a few more red and green sprinkles lightly on top of the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm. The sprinkles adhere well and add an inviting shine and crunch that makes these treats perfect for holiday platters.

Side Dishes

These gooey butter cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of spiced cocoa or classic eggnog—both drinks complement the rich cream cheese and buttery sweetness perfectly. You can also serve them alongside a festive cheese board or a platter of seasonal fruits for a balanced holiday snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for gift-giving, or arrange them on a holiday-themed platter layered with evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks for a stunning centerpiece. You can even stack them with parchment sheets in between for an irresistible homemade cookie tower that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies left over, store them airtight at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps their centers nice and soft while maintaining that delightful powdered sugar crust on the outside.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. To freeze, arrange unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. When ready, bake straight from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container, separated with parchment paper, for up to three months.

Reheating

Warm your leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness if they’ve stiffened. Just be careful not to overheat as they can lose their delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vanilla cake mix with another flavor?

Absolutely! While vanilla offers a beautifully neutral, sweet base, you can swap in white or yellow cake mix for a subtle variation. Avoid chocolate as it changes the texture and flavor profile quite a bit, but feel free to experiment to find your perfect holiday twist.

Is cream cheese necessary for the gooey texture?

Cream cheese is key to the addictive gooey center these cookies are known for. It adds richness and moisture that you won’t get with butter alone, so I highly recommend not skipping it if you want that signature melt-in-your-mouth effect.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are set and just beginning to firm up while the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underdone to maintain that perfect gooey texture.

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes! The almond extract is optional and provides a lovely nutty note, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, the cookies will still taste wonderful using only vanilla extract.

What’s the best way to add festive colors without sprinkles?

If you want to avoid sprinkles, you can fold in finely chopped dried cranberries or use colored sanding sugar for rolling. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted white chocolate dyed with red or green food coloring over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is a proven winner for any holiday occasion, combining effortless ingredients with joyfully festive colors and the kind of soft, buttery texture that feels like a warm holiday hug in every bite. I encourage you to make a batch and share them with loved ones—you’ll quickly see why these cookies become an instant classic in any cookie exchange or family gathering. Happy baking and merry snacking!