Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies You’ll Love

Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies You’ll Love

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Introduction

When the holiday season rolls around, baking cookies becomes a cherished tradition in many households. There’s something warm and inviting about the aroma of cookies filling the air. One cookie that stands out during Christmas time is the Irresistibly Soft Gooey Butter Cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and ooze with deliciousness. They’re not just cookies; they are a sweet touch of joy and celebration. With their creamy texture and festive sprinkles, you’ll find it hard to resist grabbing one (or three!).

Why Make This Recipe

You might wonder why you should make Irresistibly Soft Gooey Butter Cookies for the holidays. Here are some fantastic reasons:

1. Easy to Make: This cookie recipe requires minimal steps and common ingredients. Even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.

2. Delicious Flavor: The creamy cream cheese paired with butter creates a rich taste that melts in your mouth. It’s a flavor everyone loves.

3. Festive Appearance: The addition of holiday sprinkles not only adds color but also entices the eyes. These cookies are perfect for cookie platters or holiday gatherings.

4. Creative Customization: You can easily adjust the recipe, using different extracts or adding nuts and chocolate chips, to suit your taste.

5. Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a pretty box or jar, and you have a lovely homemade gift for friends or family.

6. Great for Decorating with Kids: Baking cookies can be a fun activity to do with children during the holidays. Decorating the cookies with sprinkles is always a hit!

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Now that you know why these cookies are a must-try, let’s get to the fun part—making them!

Ingredients

To create these fabulous cookies, you will need:

• 8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese (Use block cream cheese for best results.)
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Ensure it’s softened to mix easily.)
• 1 large Egg (Binds the ingredients together.)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Consider substituting with almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.)
• 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (Substitution with gluten-free cake mix is an option.)
• 1 cup Holiday Sprinkles (Feel free to omit if you prefer a simpler look.)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For coating the cookies.)

Directions

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for achieving perfectly baked cookies.

2. Mix Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat these together until they are creamy and smooth.

3. Add Egg and Extract:
   Next, crack the large egg into the mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.

4. Incorporate Cake Mix:
   Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want.

5. Sprinkles Time:
   Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional):
   If you have time, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.

7. Shape the Cookies:
   Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls.

8. Coat with Powdered Sugar:
   Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until well covered. This step is crucial as it gives the cookies that beautiful finished look.

9. Bake the Cookies:
   Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are just lightly golden around the edges.

10. Cool Down:
    Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These gooey butter cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience! Here are some serving ideas:

• Holiday Cookie Platters: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter, mixing in some other holiday treats for a colorful display.

• Pair with Milk or Hot Cocoa: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delicious treat.

• With Ice Cream: Place one cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

• Gift Boxes: Pack some cookies in a decorative box or jar and give them as a sweet homemade gift to friends and family.

How to Store Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Proper storage will keep your cookies fresh and soft for longer:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies will remain soft and delicious.

• Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid drying out.

• Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Make sure they are completely cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to two months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Always opt for full-fat cream cheese instead of the spreadable kind. It helps create that soft and gooey texture.

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature to blend smoothly. Don’t melt it; just leave it out for about 30 minutes prior to baking.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. If overbaked, they will lose their gooey texture. They should look set but soft in the center.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment! Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for variety.

• Shape Matters: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop for equal sizes. This helps them bake evenly.

Variation (If Any)

While this recipe is delightful as it is, there are always ways to mix things up:

• Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix. It creates a delicious chocolate version that’s irresistible!

• Nutty Flavors: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor.

• Coconut Lovers: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or gluten-free. Just make sure it’s a mix you enjoy.

2. How can I fix sticky dough?

If your dough is too sticky to work with, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up and makes it easier to handle.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before you bake the cookies, or scoop and freeze the dough balls before coating in powdered sugar.

4. Are these cookies suitable for holiday gatherings?

Definitely! These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings. Their festive look and delicious taste will impress everyone.

5. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, the cookies will stay fresh and soft for up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the refrigerator.

In conclusion, Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday treat that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the season. Their soft texture, rich flavor, and festive sprinkles make them a must-bake for any celebration. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, these cookies are perfect for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging yourself, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and delight to your taste buds. Happy baking!

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