Description
Soft, chewy, and decadently rich, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate quick holiday treat. Rolled in powdered sugar for a beautiful crinkled finish and topped with festive sprinkles, they look just as magical as they taste. Made with yellow cake mix and cream cheese, they’re incredibly easy and perfect for beginner bakers. Whether you’re looking for a quick Christmas dessert, fun baking project with kids, or delicious edible gift, these cookies are a go-to. Add them to your list of easy cookie recipes, breakfast ideas, holiday snacks, or sweet food ideas to keep everyone smiling through the season.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
15.25 oz box yellow cake mix
1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
1/3 cup holiday sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
1. Allow cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add in the yellow cake mix and stir until a thick, sticky dough forms.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
7. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
8. Gently press the tops of the dough balls into sprinkles.
9. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
12. Serve or store once completely cooled.
Notes
Make sure to chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
Roll generously in powdered sugar for that signature crackled top.
Don’t overbake — the centers should look slightly underdone for the perfect gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday treats, easy dessert, baking with kids