© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
🎄✨ Easy Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies for Christmas 🎅🍪
1. Introduction
If you’re looking to add a sweet and decadent touch to your Christmas baked goods, then these Easy Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect choice. With their irresistibly soft, gooey centers and slightly crispy edges, these cookies deliver a festive burst of flavor in every bite. They’re a delightful addition to any holiday treats platter, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy your craving for something sweet during the bustling Christmas season.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Few simple ingredients — no complicated steps or specialty equipment.
- Perfectly gooey and tender — a luxurious texture everyone loves.
- Versatile for any occasion — ideal for Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings.
3. Ingredient Notes
This recipe relies on pantry staples, but choosing high-quality ingredients makes all the difference. Opt for unsalted butter for a richer flavor, preferably at room temperature so it creams smoothly into the dough. Use high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness and aroma. For the best results, you might consider premium vanilla or organic ingredients. The cookie mix provides the gooey texture, but you could also experiment with different flavors, such as almond or lemon, to add a personalized touch.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Perfecting these holiday cookies is easier with the right tools. Check out this Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — it’s versatile for baking, roasting, and reheating leftovers. A quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set simplifies baking with excellent heat distribution and easy cleanup. Plus, a dependable Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo can double as an oven for smaller holiday batches, saving space and time.
5. How to Make Easy Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup. As the oven heats, gather your ingredients — the cookie dough should be at room temperature for best mixing.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy and fluffy. The aroma of vanilla will become prominent at this stage. Add the cookie mix gradually, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. The dough will be thick and sticky. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form approximately one-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 3: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. The smell of baked cookies will fill your kitchen, and the edges will be crispy while the center remains gooey and tender. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps set their gooey centers while keeping the edges crisp.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake — the gooey texture is what makes these cookies special!
- Slightly underbaking will yield that perfect melty center.
- Use a silicone spatula to gently fold ingredients; it helps maintain the dough’s delicate texture.
- If you want extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-savory balance.
7. Variations & Substitutions
- For a fruity twist, add dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
- Swap vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a festive flavor change.
- Use gluten-free cookie mixes to make this treat suitable for dietary restrictions.
- For an even more indulgent version, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies or sandwich them with a layer of frosting.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store these gooey butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. To revive their gooey texture, briefly reheat in a air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This way, every bite will still have that irresistible melty center.
9. FAQ
Can I freeze these holiday cookies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer for that freshly baked feel.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes! Their soft and gooey texture is perfect for kids, and they contain no raw eggs. Just ensure they are cooled properly before handling.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely. Stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking for an extra layer of indulgence. Just be mindful of any allergies.
10. Conclusion
These Easy Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat that captures the spirit of Christmas baked goods. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in these decadently soft cookies that will delight family and friends alike!
Print
Easy Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies for Christmas
A rich, gooey butter cookie recipe with a holiday twist, featuring a soft center, sweet glaze, and festive decorations. Perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Assorted holiday sprinkles and edible glitter for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely, then glaze with a powdered sugar glaze and decorate with sprinkles and glitter.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth mixing.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles immediately after glazing for best adhesion.
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Baking and decorating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg