If you’re hunting for the perfect holiday treat, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies may become your new December tradition. They’re soft, tender, sweet, and have that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone expects from true gooey butter recipes. The magic of this cookie lies in its simplicity. The batter comes together fast, the ingredients are easy to find, and each bite feels like a warm holiday hug. The best part? You get that iconic gooey center without needing fancy equipment or complicated steps.

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bake up with lightly crisp edges and a soft, buttery middle. Rolled in powdered sugar, they create a snowy, festive look that fits perfectly on any holiday cookie tray. And because they use cream cheese and butter as the base, the flavor stays rich and comforting. If you’ve ever had classic gooey butter cake, imagine that same flavor wrapped into a cute, handheld cookie.

This recipe is also great for busy holiday weeks. The dough can be chilled ahead of time, frozen for later, or made fresh when you need a last-minute dessert. Kids love helping roll the dough, and adults love eating the results. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting treats to friends, or filling your cookie jar, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies will fit right in. They’re simple, nostalgic, and always a hit—exactly what a holiday cookie should be.

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What Makes This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe Special?

These cookies stand out for several reasons:

Easy to Make – This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together fast, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Perfect Texture – The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a soft, gooey center with a lightly crisp exterior.

Festive Appearance – With their powdered sugar “snowy” finish, they look winter-ready without any decorating skills required.

Kid-Friendly Recipe – Children love rolling the dough in sugar, and the dough itself is forgiving and easy to handle.

Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough freezes beautifully, and baked cookies stay soft for days, making holiday planning easier.

If you love cookies that feel homemade, cozy, and a little decadent, this is one you don’t want to skip.

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Ingredient Notes

• Butter
Adds richness and flavor. Use unsalted butter so the cookies don’t taste overly salty. If using salted butter, reduce added salt by half.

• Cream Cheese
Creates the signature gooey texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best.
Substitute: Neufchâtel cheese in a pinch.

• Sugar
White sugar keeps the texture light. Avoid replacing with brown sugar, which changes the consistency.

• Egg
Helps the dough bind and adds moisture. Room-temperature eggs work best for smooth mixing.

• Vanilla Extract
Adds flavor depth. Almond extract is a fun variation for a more holiday-like twist.

• All-Purpose Flour
Gives structure. Do not swap with almond or coconut flour without recipe adjustments.

• Baking Powder
Keeps the cookies soft and slightly puffy.

• Powdered Sugar
Used for coating, giving that signature snowy look.

No special equipment is required, but a hand mixer will make the dough smoother.

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How To Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough
Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fluffy.
Tip: Mix longer than you think—properly creamed butter makes softer cookies.

2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. The batter will look creamy and slightly thick.

3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add to the wet mixture.
Tip: Do not over-mix. Stop once the flour disappears. The dough should be soft.

4. Chill the Dough
Chill for 30–60 minutes. This step keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

5. Roll the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Coat generously in powdered sugar.

6. Bake
Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Look for edges that are set but centers that still look soft. Do not overbake—they firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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Storage Options

Room Temperature
Keep cookies in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Refrigeration
Store up to 1 week. Let cookies sit at room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing Dough
Roll dough balls, freeze on a tray, then store in bags for up to 3 months.

Freezing Baked Cookies
Freeze fully cooled cookies for 2–3 months. Place parchment between layers.

Reheating
Warm in the microwave for 8–10 seconds for a soft, gooey finish.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Peppermint Gooey Butter Cookies – Add crushed peppermint or peppermint extract.
• Funfetti Christmas Cookies – Add red and green sprinkles to the dough.
• Lemon Gooey Cookies – Swap vanilla for lemon extract and add a little zest.
• Chocolate Chip Version – Add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free – Use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cookies not gooey?
You may have overbaked them. Pull them from the oven while the centers still look soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Warm dough spreads more. Chill longer next time.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Not recommended—it changes the texture and makes the dough sticky.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles and triples well.

Can I skip chilling?
Chilling is important for shape. Without it, cookies will be flatter.

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Conclusion

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bring together everything you love about holiday baking—easy steps, festive looks, and a soft, sweet bite that feels like a warm holiday memory. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking yet special enough for Christmas parties. Try them, share them, and enjoy the smiles they bring.

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