There’s something magical about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies — they’re soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth delights that taste like a warm holiday hug. These cookies combine the richness of butter, the sweetness of powdered sugar, and the creamy texture of cream cheese to create a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the fireplace.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cookie, this is it. These cookies are:
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Soft and chewy inside, slightly crisp outside
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Quick to make with simple pantry ingredients
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Festively beautiful when rolled in powdered sugar
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Perfect for gifting or decorating Christmas cookie trays
They’re also beginner-friendly and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like Christmas cheer.
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these buttery, festive treats:
Dry Ingredients
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2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
Sweeteners & Coating
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1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (60 g) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar – for rolling
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Red and green sprinkles (optional, for festive touch)
Pro Tip: If you love lemony flavor, you can replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a citrus twist!
Required Kitchen Tools
Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies doesn’t require fancy gadgets. You’ll just need:
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2 large mixing bowls
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Hand or stand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your cookies soft, gooey, and perfect every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and keeps your cookies evenly baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy — about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
This creaming step is crucial: it incorporates air, giving your cookies that irresistibly soft texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
Your mixture should look smooth and slightly thick.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients in small portions, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30–60 minutes.
This step helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
If you’re short on time, you can pop it into the freezer for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Once chilled, scoop 1 tablespoon of dough (use a cookie scoop for even sizes).
Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Then roll the dough balls in powdered sugar until generously coated.
Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
The cookies will look slightly underbaked — that’s the secret to their gooey texture!
Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
While still slightly warm, sprinkle with red and green sugar crystals or festive sprinkles to give them that cheerful holiday sparkle.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies come out perfect every single time:
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Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese – This ensures they cream together smoothly without lumps.
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Chill the dough – It’s not optional if you want thick, gooey centers!
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Don’t overbake – Pull them out when they look soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
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Coat generously with powdered sugar – That beautiful crinkle effect depends on it.
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Add food coloring – Divide your dough and tint it red and green for a fun Christmas look.
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Storage tip – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
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Freeze for later – Freeze raw dough balls (unbaked) for up to 3 months; just bake directly from frozen and add 1–2 extra minutes.
Variations and Flavor Twists
You can easily customize your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies to suit your holiday style:
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Peppermint Twist – Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
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Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies – Use lemon cake mix or add zest from one lemon for a tangy version.
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Chocolate Version – Mix in 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips.
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Colorful Dough – Add gel food coloring before chilling for red, green, or even gold-themed cookies.
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Cake Mix Shortcut – For an ultra-easy version, use yellow or vanilla cake mix with cream cheese and butter (skip the flour).
Serving Ideas
These cookies are versatile and perfect for any Christmas celebration. Here are some ways to serve them:
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With hot cocoa or mulled wine – Their buttery sweetness complements warm winter drinks.
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On a dessert tray – Combine with sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and fudge for variety.
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As edible gifts – Package in festive tins or glass jars tied with ribbon and a handwritten tag.
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For cookie exchanges – Their unique gooey texture makes them stand out from the crowd.
Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and size.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
These cookies are indulgent, yes — but hey, it’s Christmas! Enjoy them in moderation (if you can resist a second one).
Storing & Freezing Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days.
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Refrigerator: Store for up to 10 days for a firmer, chilled texture.
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Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies in ziplock bags for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw overnight at room temperature or bake directly from frozen.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning a busy Christmas schedule, these cookies are perfect for prepping early:
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Make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated.
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Roll in powdered sugar right before baking.
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Baked cookies stay soft for several days — perfect for Christmas Eve or party trays.
Why These Are the Ultimate Christmas Cookies
Among hundreds of holiday cookie recipes, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies stand out for their simplicity and texture. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth richness, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a snow-kissed festive look.
They’re quick to make, always impress guests, and are the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition — passed down from one Christmas to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone cheese or even ricotta, but the texture and flavor will change slightly — cream cheese gives the classic “gooey” consistency.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The results will be just as delicious.
3. Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps the center gooey. If skipped, your cookies may flatten.
4. Why are my cookies not as soft?
Overbaking or overmixing the dough are the main causes. Always pull them out when they still look slightly underdone.
5. Can I add fillings or toppings?
Absolutely! Try pressing a Hershey’s Kiss or drizzle with white chocolate once cooled.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Holidays Extra Sweet
The holidays are all about warmth, family, and delicious treats. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies capture all of that in one bite — soft, buttery, and dusted with snowy sweetness. Whether you’re baking them for Santa, your family, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, they’ll instantly bring the holiday spirit into your home.
