Description
These Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly coated in powdered sugar with festive sprinkles, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, gooey texture inside every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (13.25-ounce) box white cake mix
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles, divided
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: Beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the egg along with the almond and orange extracts if using, and mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the white cake mix with the hand mixer until batter is smooth and fully combined. Gently fold in ¼ cup of the holiday sprinkles by hand for added festive color and texture.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. This step helps the dough firm up and enhances the gooey texture when baked.
- Preheat oven and prepare trays: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Scoop and coat cookies: Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion the chilled dough, then roll each portion into a uniform ball. Sprinkle a few additional sprinkles onto each dough ball, then roll completely in powdered sugar until fully coated for a snowy, festive finish.
- Arrange and bake: Place coated cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking or sticking and helps preserve their chewy texture.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the classic gooey consistency.
- Optional extracts add a subtle, festive flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkles add color and fun, but you can customize with your favorite holiday decorations.
- If you prefer larger cookies, adjust baking time slightly but watch to avoid overbaking.