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Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

🎄 Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are irresistibly soft, rich, and dusted with powdered sugar for that classic holiday look. Made with cream cheese and cake mix, they’re quick to prepare and perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy baking days at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course: American, Holiday Baking
Cuisine: Dessert
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box 15.25 oz vanilla or butter cake mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
  • Optional: holiday sprinkles or red & green sanding sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
  3. Gradually mix in the cake mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
  4. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll generously in powdered sugar, and place on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
  8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overbake—cookies should look slightly underdone in the center.
For extra holiday flair, gently press sprinkles on top before baking.
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and kept refrigerated.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.