Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just any holiday treat; they are the gooey, buttery hugs of joy that warm your heart and soul. Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that practically melts in your mouth, with a dusting of powdered sugar that makes it feel like the holidays have exploded in a delicious cloud. zesty lemon sugar cookies The flavors burst forth like confetti at a New Year’s party, bringing together the sweetness of vanilla and cream cheese with just the right hint of nostalgia. These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply when you need a sweet escape from wrapping presents.
There’s something magical about baking during the festive season. It reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would whip up her famous treats while we decorated the tree. The scent of freshly baked cookies mingling with pine needles filled our home with warmth and happiness. creamy no-bake cheesecake Now, every time I pull out this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie recipe, I can almost hear the laughter and see those twinkling lights again. So gather your family and friends around because these cookies will surely make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
- Their rich flavor profile combines buttery goodness with creamy textures that melt in your mouth.
- Visually stunning with their snowy powdered sugar topping, they look festive on any dessert table.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt for any occasion beyond just Christmas!
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for rich flavor and ultimate gooeyness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies their sweet base while powdered sugar is perfect for dusting.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs bind all ingredients while adding moisture to create that gooey texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances overall flavor; avoid imitation for best results.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create a soft cookie texture that’s delightfully chewy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use standard flour to provide structure while keeping these cookies light and airy.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this hot honey chicken recipe recipe.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will prevent any sticky situations later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer. This step is crucial as it creates that delightful gooey texture we all crave.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs
Gradually mix in granulated sugar until well combined. Then add eggs one at a time, along with vanilla extract—beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined; don’t overmix!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour—this helps firm up the dough so it doesn’t spread too much during baking.
Step 6: Bake Those Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges but still gooey in the center—trust me; you want that contrast!
Once they cool slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving! Transfer to plates or a festive platter for sharing (if you’re feeling generous). pumpkin spice latte Enjoy those warm memories wrapped up in each bite of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a holiday miracle in a baking pan.
- With their rich texture and sweet flavor, they’re sure to be the highlight of your festive gatherings.
- Easy to make, they’ll have everyone begging for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To whip up these delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies efficiently, start by mixing your dry ingredients first, then blend the wet ones. Finally, combine everything until it’s perfectly gooey before spooning onto your baking sheet.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or even nuts for that extra crunch. The options are as endless as your holiday spirit!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted.
- Avoid over-mixing to keep those cookies delightfully gooey.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want them thicker and less spread out!
Baking these cookies always brings back fond memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and joy. One year, we had a cookie decorating contest that turned into an icing war—what a delicious mess!
FAQs:
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake. These cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. They are typically made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, giving them their signature gooeyness. classic apple dumplings Often dusted with powdered sugar or decorated with festive sprinkles, they make an excellent addition to any holiday cookie platter.
How do I store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
To maintain the freshness of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer while still tasting delicious when thawed.
Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is their versatility. You can add various mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or even different flavored extracts such as almond or vanilla. Feel free to experiment with different toppings as well, such as festive colored sprinkles or drizzles of white chocolate for added flair during the holiday season.
Are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose has xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the right texture. Additionally, always check other ingredients like baking powder and vanilla extract to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious cookies during the holidays!
Conclusion for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:
In summary, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bring joy and warmth to holiday gatherings with their rich flavor and delightful texture. With simple ingredients and easy preparation methods, these cookies can become a festive favorite in no time. Feel free to customize them according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether served at parties or gifted as treats, these cookies will surely spread holiday cheer!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining a soft, chewy texture with a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Topped with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies evoke warm memories of festive gatherings and cozy family moments. They are easy to prepare and perfect for any holiday celebration or as a sweet gift to friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in granulated sugar, then add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; beat until creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill dough for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain gooey.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies. - Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
