Christmas is a time for celebration, joy, and of course, delicious treats! One of the most beloved holiday desserts is the Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These delightful cookies are not just a visual feast; they also offer a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft cookie with a slightly crisp edge and an irresistibly gooey center. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make! With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up these festive delights in no time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge yourself, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies will be the star of your dessert table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this sweet treat that captures the spirit of the season!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure you use room temperature butter for the best mixing ability.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely gooey texture in the cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar provides moisture and enhances the flavor profile.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to your cookie’s flavor.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures that your cookies rise beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that gives structure to your gooey butter cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking for that classic sweet finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about an hour. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for around 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Transfer to plates and enjoy your delightful Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Chill Time Matters: Allowing dough to chill is crucial for achieving that perfect gooey texture without spreading too much during baking.
- Baking Sheet Prep: Using parchment paper or silicone mats can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Additions Optional: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor variations.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolaty flavor of hot cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey texture of the cookies.
- Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for dessert lovers.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Storing: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.
- Reheating: To reheat cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and gooey again.
FAQs for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, perfect for the holiday season. These cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The key ingredient is cream cheese, which gives them their signature gooey center. Often rolled in powdered sugar before baking, these cookies offer a festive appearance and a sweet surprise in every bite. They are easy to make and can be customized with various flavors or add-ins, such as chocolate chips or peppermint extract. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as gifts, these cookies bring joy to any festive occasion.
How do you store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
To keep your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay good for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature. If you want to maintain their gooey texture, avoid microwaving them directly from frozen; instead, let them thaw completely before enjoying.
Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Many gluten-free blends work well as substitutes for all-purpose flour. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum or other binders to help achieve the right texture. The key is to ensure that the flour blend has similar properties to regular flour so that your cookies remain soft and chewy. You might need to adjust baking time slightly when using gluten-free flour since it can behave differently than conventional flour.
What variations can I make with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
You can easily customize your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with various flavors and mix-ins! For example, consider adding peppermint extract for a festive touch or incorporating chocolate chips for extra richness. You can also experiment with different types of extracts like almond or vanilla. Additionally, rolling the cookies in colored sugar instead of powdered sugar can add a fun pop of color for the holidays. Feel free to get creative and try mixing in dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies make an excellent gift option during the holiday season. Their unique flavor and gooey texture impress anyone who receives them. To gift these cookies, package them in decorative tins or boxes lined with tissue paper. Ensure they are cooled completely before packing to avoid any moisture buildup inside the container. Include a personal note or card with your gift to add that special touch! Your friends and family will appreciate this homemade treat during the festive season.
How do I make my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies even more festive?
To enhance the festive vibe of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top after rolling them in powdered sugar. You can also shape your cookies into fun holiday-themed designs using cookie cutters before baking—think stars, trees, or gingerbread men! Another idea is to drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their rich flavor and soft texture, they are sure to please everyone at your gathering. Storing these cookies properly will keep them fresh longer while allowing you to enjoy their gooiness even days later. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and flavors; this flexibility makes these cookies truly special! Whether you’re gifting them or sharing with loved ones, these delicious treats embody the spirit of the season perfectly. Embrace the joy of baking this holiday season with these irresistible cookies!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Description
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining a rich buttery flavor with a delightful gooey center. These cookies are soft with slightly crisp edges, making them irresistible for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. With an easy-to-follow recipe that requires minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time. Perfectly rolled in powdered sugar, they not only taste amazing but also look festive on any dessert table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this sweet, melt-in-your-mouth holiday delight!
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; gradually combine with the wet mixture until just mixed.
4. Chill the dough for about an hour to enhance texture.
5. Roll tablespoons of chilled dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
6. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.
Notes
– Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.
– For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g