Introduction
Christmas is a time for festivity, warmth, and of course, indulgent treats. Among the many options available for sweet-toothed holiday enthusiasts, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies stand out as a delightful combination of ease and flavor. These cookies, rich and soft in texture, have become increasingly popular due to their buttery richness and gooey center, making them a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
In the bustle of the holiday season, simple and quick recipes are a game-changer. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are especially designed for those moments when you want to whip up something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. They are perfect for cozy family gatherings, festive cookie exchanges, or simply to delight your little ones at home. The delightful sweetness paired with the unique texture creates a nostalgic taste that can remind many of classic holiday treats yet brings a contemporary twist with the use of a cake mix.
The taste and texture of these cookies are simply divine. With a golden exterior and a soft, gooey filling, they deliver an incredible mouthfeel, providing a rich experience with every bite. Dust them with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect, making them visually appealing as well as delicious—an essential aspect of any holiday dessert.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Servings: 24 cookies
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
This recipe for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies originates from a unique blend of cake mix and cream cheese, which gives it a soft, gooey texture that many adore. The combination of bright flavors and festive presentation makes it particularly popular during the holidays, as they can easily be adapted with various mix-ins for a personalized touch, while still being incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
– 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1 large egg (for the cream cheese mixture)
– 2 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for a festive flair
Each ingredient serves a crucial role in creating the signature gooey texture and flavor profile of the cookies. The yellow cake mix acts as the base, providing a sweet and buttery foundation, while melted unsalted butter enhances richness. Eggs contribute to the structure and moisture of the cookies, ensuring they don’t dry out. Vanilla extract is added to elevate the flavor, making it more aromatic. The cream cheese is the star of the show, imparting creaminess and that gooey texture everyone loves.
Powdered sugar not only sweetens the cookie batter but is also used as a decorative dusting. The baking powder serves as a leavening agent, giving the cookies a soft and airy quality, while salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Optionally, chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies can be mixed in for an added burst of flavor, elevating them for the holiday spirit.
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and fully blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese along with 1 egg until the mixture is silky and creamy in texture.
4. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter until just combined. If you wish to enhance the flavor, mix in chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies at this stage.
6. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft and gooey. They will firm up as they cool down.
8. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. After cooling, generously dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar for a delightful, festive appearance.
The preparation techniques outlined above are critical to achieving the perfect texture and taste in these cookies. The method of combining the cake mix and cream cheese batter, alongside the appropriate mixing techniques, ensures a well-blended and delightful cookie dough, embodying the flavors and textures that make these treats so special during the holiday season.
Preparing the Dough
To achieve the best results, start by preheating your oven to 350°F, a necessary step that ensures even baking. Meanwhile, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, which will facilitate an easy release of the cookies post-baking and makes for quick cleanup.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted unsalted butter, one egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and void of lumps. Blending until smooth guarantees that the cake batter has a consistent texture, essential for even baking. It’s crucial to check for any lumps in the cake mix to achieve the desired cookie consistency, so be diligent during this step.
Once the cake batter is ready, shift your focus to the cream cheese mixture. Use soft cream cheese for this purpose, which can be achieved by letting it sit at room temperature until it’s pliable. Beat the softened cream cheese with a large egg until it reaches a silky, creamy texture, using an electric mixer if preferred for ease. This ensures a comprehensive blend that results in a smooth batter, pivotal for the cookies’ signature gooeyness.
Combining the Mixtures
Folding the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter needs to be done with care to maintain the airiness. This technique is key to preventing the dough from becoming overly dense, which could compromise the cookie’s delightful gooey texture. It’s advisable to use a spatula for this step, gently incorporating the two mixtures until just combined, ensuring not to over-mix.
If you feel adventurous, this is also the moment to enhance your cookies with optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies, adding a festive touch that resonates well during the holiday season. These add-ins not only improve the flavor profile but also add visual appeal, creating an irresistible treat that’s bound to be a hit among family and friends.
Scooping and Shaping the Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, proper scooping and shaping are essential. Start by using a standard tablespoon to scoop out the dough. This measurement ensures that your cookies are uniform in size, leading to consistent baking. When using the spoon, try to scoop a heaping tablespoon so that each cookie retains its gooey center while spreading during baking.
Spacing is also critical on the baking sheets. The recipe calls for placing the dough portions about 2 inches apart. This distance allows each cookie enough room to expand and rise without merging into one another. Proper spacing prevents the cookies from touching, helping them retain the desired thickness and soft texture.
When ready to shape the cookies, gently roll the scooped dough between your hands into a ball. This technique not only helps in achieving an appealing rounded shape but also promotes even baking. It’s best to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its soft consistency, resulting in that characteristic gooey center after baking.
Baking the Cookies
Baking cookies at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time is crucial. In this recipe, you will preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the cookies to rise appropriately without browning too quickly.
The recommended baking time is 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies as the timer approaches the lower end of this range. Cookies are ready to come out of the oven when the edges begin to set and turn slightly golden while the center appears soft and puffy. These visual cues indicate that the cookies have baked adequately.
After baking, it’s important to allow the cookies to cool down correctly. The cooling process aids in the cookies’ final texture. They will initially seem very soft; however, they will firm up after resting for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets. This step ensures they maintain their gooey center while developing a tender outer exterior.
Cooling and Dusting
Once the cookies have rested for about 5 minutes, it’s time to transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. This transfer is best done using a spatula, which allows you to lift the cookies gently without misshaping them. Place the cookies on the wire rack to facilitate airflow around them, which prevents moisture from making the bottoms soggy. Allow them to cool for an additional 20-30 minutes or until they reach room temperature.
Dusting with powdered sugar not only enhances the festive appearance but also adds a touch of sweetness. To dust the cookies, use a fine mesh sieve or a small sifter to sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over the tops. For an enhanced visual treat, consider generously coating the cookies, ensuring a snowy effect that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key to elevating your holiday treat from ordinary to extraordinary. To arrange the cookies on a platter, a simple, decorative cake stand or a vibrant holiday-themed platter can draw attention. Layer your cookies to create visual interest, perhaps alternating different flavors if you choose to make variations.
Optional garnishes such as sprigs of mint can be a beautiful addition, creating an inviting visual display. Edible glitter is another creative touch that can add sparkle, making your cookies stand out even further. The presentation matters, especially during family and festive gatherings, enhancing the overall festive atmosphere and making your cookies look even more appealing.
Variations to Experiment With
While this recipe shines in its original form, you may wish to experiment with alternative flavors and mix-ins to make them your own. Instead of a yellow cake mix, consider using chocolate or vanilla cake mix for different flavor profiles. You can also incorporate various types of chocolate chips—such as dark, white, or milk chocolate—for a richer taste.
Additionally, seasonal variations can be delightful. For instance, adding pumpkin spice may evoke a festive autumn feeling, while eggnog-flavored variations can enhance your holiday celebrations further. Crushed candies such as peppermint or seasonal sprinkles can also be added to the dough for a festive touch.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional aspect of your cookies can be helpful, especially during the holiday season when indulgence is common. Each cookie, based on the recipe yields, contains approximately 150 calories. Key nutritional elements include carbohydrates (around 20 grams), sugar (about 10 grams), and a modest amount of fat (approximately 5 grams).
For those looking to lighten their treats, consider reducing the amount of powdered sugar and using a light cream cheese or a reduced-fat cake mix. By doing this, you can still enjoy the cookies while slightly decreasing the caloric content.
Storing and Reheating
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness of cookies. The best way to store your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. This method will keep them soft and chewy for up to a week. If the cookies start to become stale, add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.
If you need to store the cookies for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap individual cookies or stacks with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies again, just allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Conclusion
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and a creamy texture that captures the essence of holiday baking. With their soft, gooey centers and festive appearance, they are a joy to share with friends and family. The total preparation and baking time of just 30 minutes ensures that you can enjoy these treats even during the busiest times of the holiday season.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Easy Cake Mix Delight
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg for the cream cheese mixture
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 egg until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Fold the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter until just combined, adding chocolate chips or peppermint if desired.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Let cookies rest on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
- Dust cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving.