Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake but in a fun, bite-sized form. Thanks to the cream cheese, the texture is incredibly soft, and the yellow cake mix base makes them quick and easy to prepare. Plus, the festive sprinkles give them a pop of color that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15.25-ounce) box of yellow cake mix
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
1/2 cup powdered sugar

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to keep the colors from bleeding.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 32 cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Different cake mixes: Swap the yellow cake mix for vanilla or white cake mix for a different flavor.
Extracts: Add almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a holiday twist.
Mix-ins: Add mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to the dough along with the sprinkles.
Coloring: Add a few drops of red or green food coloring for a more festive look.
No sprinkles: Skip the sprinkles for a more classic gooey butter cookie.
Sanding sugar: Roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for extra sparkle.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with vanilla, white, or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use spreadable cream cheese instead of block cream cheese?

It’s best to use full-fat block-style cream cheese, as spreadable cream cheese may make the dough too soft.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes! You can fold in mini chocolate chips or any other mix-ins you like for extra flavor and texture.

4. How can I make the cookies more festive?

Add holiday-colored sprinkles, or even a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough to make them extra festive.

5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly different.

7. How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?

Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles and avoid overmixing to keep the colors from bleeding.

8. Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It’s recommended, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step.

9. How long should I bake the cookies?

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This ensures they stay gooey in the middle.

10. Can I add extracts other than vanilla?

Yes, you can try almond or peppermint extract for a holiday twist on the flavor.

Conclusion

These Christmas gooey butter cookies are a delicious and festive treat that anyone will enjoy. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a batch of soft, chewy cookies perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap or just craving something sweet, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!