Name: Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Easy Holiday Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Holiday sprinkles for decoration

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🎄🤤 Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: Easy Holiday Treats to Indulge In!

1. Introduction

Nothing signals the arrival of the festive season quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. Among all holiday desserts, gooey butter cookies stand out as a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth delight. These cookies are the perfect combination of a crispy exterior with a soft, gooey center, making them an irresistible Christmas treat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a secret Santa exchange, this recipe promises holiday cheer in every bite.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute holiday baking.

One-bowl, simple recipe perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Incredibly versatile, you can customize toppings or flavors.
Deliciously decadent, guaranteed to impress guests with its rich, buttery flavor.

3. Ingredient Notes

Creating the perfect gooey butter cookies starts with quality ingredients. Using high-quality butter adds a rich, creamy texture that enhances the decadence. For the best flavor, opt for unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness and balance the sweetness. Granulated sugar should be fine, but superfine sugar can help achieve an even, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Adding a touch of vanilla extract elevates the aroma and complements the buttery richness. To add visual appeal, sprinkle your cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate before baking for a festive touch.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

To ensure your cookies turn out perfect, having the right tools is essential. A KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer makes mixing a breeze and ensures a smooth dough. For baking, a non-stick nonstick baking sheet will help your cookies bake evenly and come off easily. Don’t forget silicone spatulas for gentle mixing and scraping, and a cooling rack to allow cookies to set properly after baking.

5. How to Make Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Mixing the Dough

Start by in a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll notice a sweet, buttery aroma as you do this. Add in 1 large egg, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together—it should be soft but not sticky.

Shaping and Baking

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for an even, crispy exterior.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be golden while the centers remain soft and gooey. Immediately after removing from the oven, you can add sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate for extra holiday flair.

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving, as this helps set the gooey centers without losing their decadent texture.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Don’t overbake, as this will dry out the gooey interior. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes.

Use cold butter, to prevent the dough from becoming too soft to handle.
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it’s too sticky or warm to handle easily.
Experiment with flavors, such as adding cocoa powder or mixing in chopped nuts for a personalized touch.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions, consider swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute. To make these cookies even more festive, roll the dough in colorful sugar or crushed peppermint candies before baking.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store leftover gooey butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To regain their soft, gooey texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. For extended freshness, freeze the cookies and thaw at room temperature when needed.

9. FAQ

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your chosen flour blend works well for cookies to get that tender, gooey texture.

How do I get the cookies extra gooey?

A slightly underbaked cookie—baking just until the edges turn golden—ensures a soft, gooey center. Letting them cool slightly before serving helps them set without losing their tender core.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Chilling helps enhance flavor and makes the dough easier to roll and shape.

What toppings are best for decorating?

Festive options include colored sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor.

10. Conclusion

These Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday indulgence, blending rich, buttery goodness with a satisfyingly soft center. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a festive favorite at your holiday gatherings. Celebrate the season with these irresistible holiday treats that promise joy in every bite!