Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
8 oz cream cheese, brought to room temperature
02 -
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
05 -
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
→ For Decorating
06 -
1/2 cup festive holiday sprinkles
07 -
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for rolling
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 350°F and get two baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper.
02 -
Using an electric mixer, blend the room temperature cream cheese, softened butter, egg, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
03 -
Gradually mix in the cake mix until you have a thick, cohesive dough that holds together well.
04 -
Carefully fold in the holiday sprinkles with a gentle touch - you want to avoid overmixing so the colors stay bright and don't bleed into your dough.
05 -
Pop the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes - this makes it much easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape.
06 -
Scoop the chilled dough into 1½-inch portions, roll them into balls, then completely coat each one in powdered sugar for that signature snowy look.
07 -
Arrange the sugar-coated balls on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches between each cookie, then bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
08 -
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set up, then carefully move them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
# Notes:
01 -
These cookies stay fresh when stored in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
02 -
You can freeze these treats for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag - just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
03 -
The secret to their incredibly soft texture is the cream cheese, which creates that signature gooey, melt-in-your-mouth quality.