Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are like little bites of holiday magic, oozing with sweetness and warmth that’ll wrap around your heart like your favorite cozy sweater. Imagine a cookie so rich and buttery, it practically melts in your mouth, leaving behind hints of vanilla and a sprinkle of powdered sugar that dances on your tongue. These cookies will elevate your cookie game from “meh” to “Merry Christmas!” faster than you can say “Santa’s coming!”
Every time I bake these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always filled with laughter and the intoxicating scent of freshly baked treats. She would pull them out of the oven, the gooey centers still warm, as we fought over who got to lick the bowl. Now, I make these cookies for every holiday gathering—because nothing says festive quite like a platter of cookies that look like they’ve been dusted by the North Pole’s finest snowflakes. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they have a permanent spot on my Christmas dessert table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies require minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor impact.
- The buttery richness complements any hot beverage during the holidays perfectly.
- Their delightful appearance makes them an eye-catching treat for any festive gathering.
- Versatile enough for other occasions; you can tweak flavors or toppings beyond just Christmas!
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture; it’s crucial for achieving gooey goodness.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweet ingredient balances out the richness of butter and adds a delightful crunch to the outer layer.
- Brown Sugar: Packed with moisture and flavor, it gives these cookies their signature caramel undertone.
- Eggs: The binding agent that brings everything together; fresh eggs yield fluffier cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract explodes with flavor in every bite—don’t skimp on it.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create those delightful puffy edges while keeping the center gooey.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any great cookie dough; just enough to keep things together without losing that gooey charm.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top, this sweet finish creates a beautiful snowy effect reminiscent of winter wonderlands.
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 two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—because nobody wants a sticky situation.
Step 2: Cream the Butters
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Channel your inner pastry chef here; you want it airy!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in two eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined—this is where those sweet aromas start filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder before gradually adding it into your wet mixture. Stir until just combined; we’re not looking for an arm workout here.
Step 5: Chill Out
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This helps develop flavors while making spooning easier later on.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Once chilled, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets about two inches apart (they spread!). Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar as soon as they come out while they’re still warm.
Transfer to plates and marvel at how cute they look next to your mug of cocoa! Enjoy every last gooey bite!
With these steps down pat, your holiday gatherings will be sweeter than ever with these unforgettable Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies stealing the show!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a holiday tradition.
- With their rich flavor and delightful texture, they become the star of any festive gathering.
- Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, mix your ingredients in one bowl for efficiency. Bake until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft for that perfect gooeyness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vanilla extract for almond extract to give these cookies a nutty twist. Adding festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint can also elevate their holiday spirit!
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra gooey texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
- This ensures they stay soft and chewy.
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing.
- Don’t skip dusting with powdered sugar; it adds that classic festive touch!
Sometimes I serve these cookies at family gatherings, and watching everyone’s eyes light up is priceless. The laughter and joy that fill the room remind me why I love baking!
FAQs:
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of butter with a gooey, soft texture. They typically contain cream cheese, which gives them their characteristic chewiness and a sweet, buttery taste. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be easily decorated with powdered sugar or festive sprinkles to enhance their appearance.
How do I store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
To keep your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
Can I customize my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can customize Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies by adding various mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. For a festive touch, consider adding peppermint extract or holiday-themed sprinkles. Experimenting with flavors will let you create a unique version that suits your taste preferences while still keeping that signature gooey texture.
What should I serve with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Their richness complements these drinks perfectly. For an extra festive touch, consider serving them on a holiday-themed platter along with other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or fudge for a delightful dessert spread at your holiday gathering.
Conclusion for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:
In summary, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines rich flavors and a soft, chewy texture. Easy to make and highly customizable, these cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Store them properly to maintain freshness, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins for a unique twist. Enjoy baking these delightful cookies this holiday season!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the magic of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies—rich, buttery treats that melt in your mouth and are delicately dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about one hour.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Dust generously with powdered sugar while warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: - For an extra gooey texture, slightly underbake the cookies. - Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor. - Consider adding festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a holiday twist.
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