Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

If there’s one cookie you need to bake this holiday season, it’s this one. The name alone—Gooey Butter Cookies—tells you everything you need to know: chewy, soft, buttery perfection with just the right amount of sweetness. These cookies are like little bites of holiday magic, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Seriously, they’re the kind of cookies that make you want to bake batch after batch just so you can share them with everyone you know (or, let’s be real, keep them all to yourself). Trust me, once you’ve tasted one, you’ll be hooked. So, let’s dive in and get baking because these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are about to become your new holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re an experience. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft and gooey on the inside, with just the right balance of buttery flavor and a light dusting of powdered sugar to finish it off. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, filling up a cookie tin, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon treat. Here’s why they’re a holiday must-have:

• Deliciously Soft and Gooey: These cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—rich, soft, and so gooey they practically melt in your mouth.
• Simple to Make: No need for complicated ingredients or steps here—these cookies are as easy to make as they are delicious.
• Perfect for Holiday Gifting: Pack them up in a cute tin or gift box, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who loves a good cookie.
• Customizable: While this recipe is classic, you can make them your own by swapping in different flavored extracts or adding in festive sprinkles or colored sugars. It’s a great base recipe that’s perfect for getting creative!
• Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, these cookies are a hit with everyone. They’re that perfect balance of sweet, buttery goodness that makes them universally loved.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cookies so special. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already, and when they all come together, they create something truly magical:

• Butter: The star of the show! You’ll need unsalted butter, which gives these cookies that perfect rich, buttery flavor without being too salty.
• Cream Cheese: Yes, you read that right—cream cheese adds the perfect tang and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth, gooey texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for the dough and powdered sugar to roll the cookies in. That powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful, snowy finish, perfect for Christmas!
• Flour: All-purpose flour is what holds everything together and gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture.
• Eggs: A couple of eggs help bind the ingredients and contribute to that gooey center.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds just the right flavor note and makes everything come together beautifully.
• Baking Powder: This gives the cookies a little lift and ensures they’re soft and not too dense.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy before adding the other ingredients.

3. Add Sugar and Eggs

Next, add the granulated sugar and beat until it’s fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies soft and tender.

5. Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll it in powdered sugar to coat it completely. The powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature snowy look.

6. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The center should still look a little soft—that’s what gives them their gooey texture!

7. Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, they’re ready to be devoured!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience a little, here are some ideas:

• With Hot Cocoa: Pair these gooey butter cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or warm spiced cider. The rich, buttery flavor of the cookies pairs beautifully with a cozy winter drink.
• Gift Them: Pack these cookies in a cute holiday tin or box to give as gifts. Everyone loves a homemade treat, and these cookies are so festive and delicious they’re the perfect holiday gift.
• Serve at Parties: These cookies are a great addition to any holiday cookie spread. Place them alongside other seasonal favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a full-on Christmas cookie extravaganza.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes rolling the dough balls easier.
• Flavor Variations: Want to get creative? Add a little almond extract for a different flavor twist, or sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar for extra holiday cheer!
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and gooey, so don’t worry about them drying out too quickly!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
A1: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could try a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it should still work well.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the frozen dough balls into a zip-top bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: How do I make the cookies more festive?
A3: Try rolling the dough balls in red and green colored sugar for a fun, festive look. You can also add mini holiday sprinkles to the tops before baking!

Q4: Can I use salted butter?
A4: It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe, so you can control the level of salt in the cookies. If you only have salted butter, just skip the additional salt in the recipe.

Q5: What should I do if the cookies spread too much during baking?
A5: Try chilling the dough before baking, which helps prevent excessive spreading. You can also add a little more flour if needed.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new holiday cookie favorite! These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of rich, buttery goodness and festive charm. They’re soft, chewy, and just sweet enough to make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to friends and family, or enjoying them by the fire with a cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition. Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey, delicious bite!

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