The holidays are upon us, and nothing fills the air quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that practically melts in your mouth, oozing with buttery goodness. These cookies are like little bites of festive joy, perfect for sharing with family or devouring all by yourself while binge-watching holiday movies.
As I stand in my kitchen, flour dust swirling like a winter snowstorm, I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I baked these delightful treats. My grandmother used to whip them up every Christmas, and her secret ingredient was always a generous sprinkle of love. Now, it’s my turn to carry on that tradition, and trust me; these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday festivities.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies require minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor impact
- The buttery richness combined with a hint of vanilla creates an irresistible treat
- Their visually appealing powdered sugar coating makes them look festive and fun on any cookie platter
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings spent at home watching your favorite seasonal flicks
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing and that signature gooey texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener brings balance to the rich butter flavor; don’t skimp!
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture, making your cookies even more gooey.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Eggs: Essential for binding; use large eggs for consistency in texture.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh so your cookies rise perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking; it adds that snowy touch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Before diving into this delightful experience, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets things nice and warm as you prepare your cookie dough.
Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy—around three minutes will do! The mixture should smell heavenly by now.
Incorporate Vanilla: Add in your eggs one at a time, along with that glorious vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined; you want everything perfectly blended without overdoing it.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together baking powder and flour—this step avoids clumps later. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients until just combined; you don’t want gluten formation here!
Chill Time: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps keep those cookies from spreading too much during baking; plus, it builds anticipation!
Shape Those Cookies: Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Roll them into balls—don’t forget to coat them generously in powdered sugar before placing them on the sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should look set but will still be soft in the center when done.
Cool Down: Let those beauties cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This is where they’ll firm up just enough while staying gooey inside.
Enjoy Your Creation: Finally! Grab a warm cookie (or three) with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Savor each bite surrounded by loved ones or simply treat yourself because you totally deserve it!
Now you’ve got not only a recipe but also memories waiting to be made around these delicious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the holiday treat you didn’t know you needed
- With their irresistible sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make every gathering feel like a celebration
- Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, spreading joy without the stress of complicated baking
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, mix butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately and fold into the wet mixture for a smooth batter before scooping onto a baking sheet.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Swap in different flavored extracts like almond or peppermint. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or festive sprinkles to jazz them up for your holiday gatherings.
Storing & Reheating
To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm later, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to revive that gooey goodness!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly gooey cookies, don’t overbake
- They should be slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for optimal texture before transferring them to a wire rack
The first time I made Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies was during a wonderfully chaotic holiday party. The smiles on my friends’ faces as they devoured these treats made me realize I had stumbled upon something truly magical in the kitchen!
FAQs:
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, transformed into a cookie form. These cookies feature a soft, chewy texture and are packed with rich flavors. The ingredients include butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, which create a deliciously sweet treat perfect for holiday gatherings. These cookies have a gooey center that melts in your mouth, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them.
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. This prevents them from drying out and maintains their gooey texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature.
Can I make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Making Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time is an excellent idea for busy holiday schedules. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for several days or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to let the cookies cool completely before storing or freezing to maintain their texture.
What variations can I try with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
There are many ways to customize your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! You can add chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or nuts for added flavor and texture. You might also experiment with different extracts like almond or orange instead of vanilla. Another fun idea is to roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch. Feel free to get creative while keeping the spirit of these delicious cookies!
Conclusion for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:
In summary, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try treat that brings joy during the holiday season. Their soft and gooey texture makes them stand out among other festive desserts. By using simple ingredients like butter and cream cheese, you can create delicious cookies that everyone will love. Whether you choose to make them ahead of time or experiment with fun variations, these cookies will surely add sweetness to your celebrations this year!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining a soft and chewy texture with rich, buttery flavor. Dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying solo during cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together baking powder and flour. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets, rolling each in powdered sugar before placing them on the sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but soft in the center. Cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies.- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
