Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Short Description

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday cheer. Made with simple ingredients, these festive treats are coated in powdered sugar for a beautiful, crackled appearance, making them the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly soft and gooey texture
• Super easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for holiday parties and cookie exchanges
• Customizable with different colors and flavors
• Great for gifting during the holiday season

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Powdered sugar (for coating)
• Food coloring (optional, for festive colors)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. If using food coloring, divide the dough and mix in desired colors.
6. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Roll the dough into small balls, then coat each one in powdered sugar.
9. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Peppermint Flavor: Mix in a drop of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
• Red and Green: Use red and green food coloring for a holiday-themed look.
• Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop a better texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.

How do I get the perfect crackled look?

Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates the signature crackled effect.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, but the texture may vary slightly depending on the type of substitute used.

Do these cookies spread while baking?

They spread slightly but remain thick and gooey inside.

How can I make them extra gooey?

Slightly underbaking the cookies will keep the centers soft and gooey.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you refrigerate the dough properly before baking.

Can I add sprinkles or decorations?

Yes! Adding festive sprinkles before baking enhances their holiday appeal.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They are not, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, offering a soft, chewy texture and a festive appearance. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are a must-have for the holiday season!

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