
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the kind of holiday cookie that make a kitchen feel instantly happier. They are soft, rich, sweet, and wonderfully tender, with that gooey butter texture that makes each bite feel like a little piece of celebration.
These cookies have the cozy feeling of a family recipe, the kind that gets pulled out when the house is busy, the lights are glowing, and someone has already started asking when the first tray will be ready. They are simple enough for a relaxed baking day but festive enough for cookie platters, gift boxes, and holiday gatherings.
The dough starts with softened full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Once they are mixed together until smooth and creamy, an egg and vanilla extract are added to make the dough light, rich, and fragrant.
The shortcut that makes these cookies especially easy is yellow cake mix. It creates a thick, sweet dough that bakes into soft cookies with a gooey center and lightly golden edges.
Holiday sprinkles bring the cheerful Christmas look. They are folded into the dough gently so every cookie gets a little burst of color.
Before baking, each spoonful of dough is dusted with powdered sugar. That sweet coating gives the cookies a pretty finish and makes them feel extra special on a holiday platter.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Recipe Details
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes
- Optional Swaps, Variations, Add-Ins, and Serving Ideas
- Almond Gooey Butter Cookies
- Gluten-Free Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Peppermint Gooey Butter Cookies
- Color-Themed Holiday Cookies
- Cinnamon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Salted Gooey Butter Cookies
- Mascarpone Gooey Butter Cookies
- Greek Yogurt Direction
- Dairy-Free Gooey Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cookies
- Nutty Gooey Butter Cookies
- Milk Pairing
- Hot Cocoa Pairing
- Why This Recipe Works
- Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Gather the Ingredients
- Step 3: Soften the Cream Cheese
- Step 4: Soften the Butter
- Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Butter to a Bowl
- Step 6: Blend Until Smooth
- Step 7: Add the Egg
- Step 8: Add the Vanilla Extract
- Step 9: Beat Until Light and Fluffy
- Step 10: Begin Adding the Cake Mix
- Step 11: Mix Until Fully Incorporated
- Step 12: Scrape the Bowl
- Step 13: Fold in the Sprinkles
- Step 14: Avoid Overmixing the Sprinkles
- Step 15: Line the Baking Sheet
- Step 16: Scoop the Dough
- Step 17: Leave Space Between Cookies
- Step 18: Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Step 19: Place the Cookies in the Oven
- Step 20: Bake Until Lightly Golden
- Step 21: Remove the Baking Sheet
- Step 22: Cool on the Baking Sheet
- Step 23: Transfer to a Wire Rack
- Step 24: Serve Warm or Cool
- Step 25: Store the Cookies
- Serving Ideas
- Storage
- Freezing
- Thawing and Warming
- Make-Ahead
- Helpful Notes for Best Results
- Variations
- Almond Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Gluten-Free Gooey Butter Cookies
- Peppermint Gooey Butter Cookies
- Colorful Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies
- Cinnamon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Mascarpone Gooey Butter Cookies
- Greek Yogurt Gooey Butter Cookies
- Dairy-Free Gooey Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cookies
- Nutty Gooey Butter Cookies
- Extra Sprinkle Cookies
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Final Thoughts
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are quick and easy to prepare. With just 15 minutes of prep time, they are perfect when you want festive cookies without a long, complicated baking project.
They require only a handful of ingredients. Cream cheese, butter, egg, vanilla, yellow cake mix, sprinkles, and powdered sugar come together into a soft holiday cookie dough.
The texture is rich and melt-in-your-mouth soft. These cookies have that gooey center people look for in a butter cookie.
They are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, cookie trays, and cozy nights at home. The festive sprinkles make them look cheerful without needing detailed decorating.
They are freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time. Once cooled, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
They are easy to customize for different holiday styles. Almond extract, peppermint candies, cinnamon, chocolate chips, nuts, different colored sprinkles, or gluten-free cake mix can all give them a new personality.
Recipe Details
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bake at 350°F, or 175°C. The oven should be preheated before the cookies go in.
The prep time is 15 minutes. The cookies bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
The dough begins with 8 oz full-fat cream cheese and ½ cup unsalted butter. Both should be softened for easy mixing.
A large egg helps bind the dough together. Vanilla extract gives the cookies a richer flavor, especially when pure vanilla is used.
The recipe uses 1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 ounces. This is the ingredient that helps make the cookies so gooey and delicious.
Holiday sprinkles are folded into the dough after the cake mix is incorporated. This keeps the festive color evenly distributed.
The dough is dropped by spoonfuls or with a cookie scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space should be left between each cookie because they spread a bit during baking.
Each cookie is dusted with powdered sugar before baking. After baking, the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened – I recommend using Philadelphia brand for the best results.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 large egg – Use a fresh egg to help bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract will give your cookies a richer flavor.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces) – This is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies so gooey and delicious!
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles – Use your favorite festive sprinkles to brighten up the cookies.
- ½ cup powdered sugar – This will be used for dusting the cookies before baking for that extra sweetness.
Ingredient Notes
Full-fat cream cheese gives the cookies their rich, soft texture. Philadelphia brand is recommended for the best results.
The cream cheese should be softened before mixing. Soft cream cheese blends more smoothly with the butter and helps create a creamy dough base.
Unsalted butter adds buttery flavor and richness. It should be softened and at room temperature so it mixes easily.
A large egg helps bind the ingredients together. A fresh egg is recommended for the best texture.
Vanilla extract adds warmth and flavor. Pure vanilla extract gives the cookies a richer taste.
Yellow cake mix is what makes this recipe quick and gooey. The recipe uses one 15.25-ounce box.
Holiday sprinkles bring color and Christmas cheer. Use your favorite festive sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
Powdered sugar is used for dusting the cookies before baking. It adds extra sweetness and gives the cookies a lovely finish.
Optional Swaps, Variations, Add-Ins, and Serving Ideas
Almond Gooey Butter Cookies
Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor twist. This gives the cookies a slightly deeper holiday bakery flavor.
Almond extract pairs nicely with the buttery dough. It is a simple way to change the flavor without changing the method.
Gluten-Free Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Use gluten-free cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. Make sure the mix is truly gluten-free by checking the ingredients.
The rest of the ingredients remain the same. No other adjustments are necessary according to the recipe.
Peppermint Gooey Butter Cookies
Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a festive peppermint twist. This makes the cookies feel extra Christmas-ready.
Peppermint adds crunch and a cool sweetness. It works well with the rich cream cheese dough.
Color-Themed Holiday Cookies
Use different colored sprinkles to match your holiday theme. Red and green feel classic, but any festive colors can work.
This is a fun way to make the cookies fit different parties or gift boxes. The dough stays the same while the look changes.
Cinnamon Gooey Butter Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spicy touch. This makes the cookies feel cozy and seasonal.
Cinnamon works well with the yellow cake mix and vanilla. It gives the cookies a softer holiday warmth.
Salted Gooey Butter Cookies
Add a pinch of salt to the dough for a richer flavor. This can help balance the sweetness.
The salt should be subtle. It supports the buttery flavor without making the cookies taste salty.
Mascarpone Gooey Butter Cookies
Mascarpone can be used instead of cream cheese. It gives a different creamy texture.
This substitution keeps the cookies rich. The flavor may be slightly different from cream cheese.
Greek Yogurt Direction
Greek yogurt can also be used as a cream cheese substitute. It may alter the flavor slightly.
Because Greek yogurt has a tangier taste, the finished cookies may not taste exactly the same. It is still listed as a possible alternative.
Dairy-Free Gooey Butter Cookies
Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option. These swaps help keep the consistency similar.
The final flavor and texture can vary depending on the products used. Choose alternatives that work well for baking.
Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cookies
Add chocolate chips for extra flavor. They give the cookies little pockets of chocolate sweetness.
This variation makes the cookies feel even more dessert-like. It is a fun option for chocolate lovers.
Nutty Gooey Butter Cookies
Add nuts for extra flavor and crunch. They bring texture to the soft dough.
Use this option when you want contrast. Leave nuts out if serving anyone with nut allergies.
Milk Pairing
Serve these cookies with a glass of milk. The cool milk balances the sweet, rich texture.
This pairing feels classic and family-friendly. It is perfect for cozy evenings at home.
Hot Cocoa Pairing
Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with hot cocoa. The cookies and cocoa together make a festive treat.
This is a lovely pairing for holiday movie nights or cookie decorating evenings. It makes the moment feel warm and sweet.
Why This Recipe Works
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies work because the cream cheese and butter create a soft, rich base. The yellow cake mix turns that base into a thick cookie dough with very little measuring.
The softened cream cheese and softened butter must be blended until smooth and creamy. This helps the dough become even and rich.
The egg binds the dough and helps the cookies hold together. Vanilla extract adds flavor and warmth.
Adding the cake mix slowly helps it incorporate fully. The dough will look thick, and that is perfectly normal.
The sprinkles are folded in gently so they stay distributed through the dough. Folding also helps avoid overworking the mixture.
Powdered sugar on top gives the cookies extra sweetness and a festive finish. Baking until the edges are lightly golden keeps the centers soft and gooey.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F, or 175°C. This is the right temperature for baking these soft, gooey cookies.
Let the oven fully heat before the first baking sheet goes in. A properly preheated oven helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Gather the Ingredients
Set out the cream cheese, butter, egg, vanilla extract, yellow cake mix, holiday sprinkles, and powdered sugar. Having everything ready makes the dough come together smoothly.
This recipe moves quickly once mixing begins. It helps to have the parchment paper and baking sheet ready too.
Step 3: Soften the Cream Cheese
Make sure the 8 oz full-fat cream cheese is softened. It should be easy to mix.
Softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the dough. Cold cream cheese can leave lumps.
Step 4: Soften the Butter
Make sure ½ cup unsalted butter is softened and at room temperature. This helps it mix easily with the cream cheese.
The butter should not be melted. Softened butter gives the dough the right creamy texture.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Butter to a Bowl
Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter into a mixing bowl. Use a bowl large enough for the full cookie dough.
These two ingredients create the rich base. They need to be mixed well before the other ingredients are added.
Step 6: Blend Until Smooth
Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend the cream cheese and butter together. Mix until smooth and creamy.
The mixture should look soft and even. Take your time here so the dough base has no large lumps.
Step 7: Add the Egg
Add 1 large egg to the bowl. A fresh egg helps bind the ingredients together.
Mix until the egg is fully combined. The mixture should begin to look lighter.
Step 8: Add the Vanilla Extract
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract gives the cookies a richer flavor.
Mix well after adding the vanilla. The dough base should smell sweet and warm.
Step 9: Beat Until Light and Fluffy
Continue mixing until the cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla are well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
This step helps the cookies bake with a soft texture. Make sure everything is evenly blended.
Step 10: Begin Adding the Cake Mix
Slowly add the yellow cake mix to the bowl. Add it a little at a time while continuing to mix.
The cake mix is the secret to the gooey texture. Adding it gradually helps it blend in more evenly.
Step 11: Mix Until Fully Incorporated
Continue mixing until the yellow cake mix is fully incorporated. The dough will become thick.
Do not worry if it looks thicker than regular cookie dough. That is perfectly normal for these gooey butter cookies.
Step 12: Scrape the Bowl
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. This makes sure no dry cake mix is hiding.
Mix again briefly if needed. The dough should look consistent from top to bottom.
Step 13: Fold in the Sprinkles
Add ½ cup holiday sprinkles to the dough. Gently fold them in.
Fold just until the sprinkles are evenly distributed. This is where the cookies start to look festive.
Step 14: Avoid Overmixing the Sprinkles
Do not overmix after adding the sprinkles. Gentle folding keeps the dough looking bright.
Overmixing can make some sprinkles bleed color. Stop once they are spread through the dough.
Step 15: Line the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Parchment also helps the cookies release cleanly after baking. It is a simple step that makes a big difference.
Step 16: Scoop the Dough
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep them similar in size.
Similar-sized cookies bake more evenly. The dough will be thick and soft.
Step 17: Leave Space Between Cookies
Leave space between each cookie on the baking sheet. The cookies will spread a bit while baking.
Do not crowd the pan. Space helps them bake into separate, rounded cookies.
Step 18: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Dust the top of each cookie with powdered sugar before baking. This adds extra sweetness and creates a lovely finish.
Use the ½ cup powdered sugar for this step. Each cookie should get a light coating.
Step 19: Place the Cookies in the Oven
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies at 350°F, or 175°C.
Keep the baking sheet level as you move it. The dough is soft and should stay evenly placed.
Step 20: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake for about 20 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden.
Do not wait for the whole cookie to become deeply browned. The centers should stay soft and gooey.
Step 21: Remove the Baking Sheet
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. The cookies will be very soft when hot.
Set the sheet on a safe surface. Let the cookies rest before moving them.
Step 22: Cool on the Baking Sheet
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set enough to transfer.
Do not rush this step. Moving them too soon can cause them to break.
Step 23: Transfer to a Wire Rack
After a few minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Let them cool completely.
The wire rack allows air to move around the cookies. This helps them finish cooling evenly.
Step 24: Serve Warm or Cool
Serve the cookies warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. They are also delicious once fully cooled.
Warm cookies feel extra soft and gooey. Cooled cookies are easier to pack, store, or gift.
Step 25: Store the Cookies
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.

Serving Ideas
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are wonderful served warm. The centers feel soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
They pair beautifully with a glass of milk. The milk balances the sweetness and makes the cookies feel classic.
Hot cocoa is another perfect match. Together, the cookies and cocoa create a cozy holiday treat.
For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed platter. The sprinkles make them bright enough for a Christmas dessert table.
They also make a lovely gift. Stack them carefully with parchment between layers so they stay pretty.
Serve them during holiday parties, family gatherings, cookie swaps, or quiet nights at home. They are simple, cheerful, and easy to love.
Storage
Store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
If stacking the cookies, separate layers with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and protects the powdered sugar finish.
Freezing
These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely first.
Place the cookies in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together when thawing.
Thawing and Warming
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature. This brings them back gently.
You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes. Warming makes them feel fresh and soft again.
Make-Ahead
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are freezer-friendly, which makes them perfect for holiday planning. Bake them ahead, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Use parchment paper between layers in the container. This keeps the cookies easier to separate later.
When the holiday rush begins, you can thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven. This gives you a ready-made sweet treat without starting from scratch.
Helpful Notes for Best Results
Use softened cream cheese and softened butter. Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly.
Full-fat cream cheese gives the cookies a richer texture. Philadelphia brand is recommended for best results.
Add the cake mix slowly. The dough will be thick, and that is normal.
Fold in the sprinkles gently. This helps keep the festive colors distributed without overmixing.
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before baking. It gives them a sweet, pretty finish.
Bake until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should stay soft and gooey.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them set.
For a richer flavor, add a pinch of salt to the dough. Adjust the sprinkles based on your preference for sweetness and decoration.
Variations
Almond Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor twist. This gives the cookies a more fragrant holiday flavor.
Almond extract changes the flavor without changing the texture. It is a simple variation.
Gluten-Free Gooey Butter Cookies
Substitute gluten-free cake mix for the yellow cake mix. Check the ingredients to make sure it is truly gluten-free.
The rest of the ingredients remain the same. No other adjustments are necessary.
Peppermint Gooey Butter Cookies
Add crushed peppermint candies. This gives the cookies a festive peppermint twist.
Peppermint adds crunch and cool sweetness. It makes the cookies feel extra Christmas-themed.
Colorful Holiday Gooey Butter Cookies
Use different colored sprinkles to match your holiday theme. This lets you customize the cookies for different celebrations.
The dough stays the same. Only the look changes.
Cinnamon Gooey Butter Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon. This gives the cookies a warm, spicy touch.
Cinnamon makes the cookies feel cozy. It pairs well with the buttery dough.
Mascarpone Gooey Butter Cookies
Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese. This gives the cookies a different creamy texture.
The flavor will change slightly. The cookies will still feel rich.
Greek Yogurt Gooey Butter Cookies
Greek yogurt can be used as a cream cheese substitute. It may alter the flavor slightly.
This option creates a different tang. The consistency may also vary.
Dairy-Free Gooey Butter Cookies
Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter. This creates a dairy-free option.
The consistency should stay similar with the right products. The flavor may vary.
Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cookies
Add chocolate chips to the dough. They bring extra flavor.
Chocolate chips make the cookies feel more indulgent. They pair well with the yellow cake mix base.
Nutty Gooey Butter Cookies
Add nuts for extra flavor and crunch. They give the soft cookies more texture.
This variation is optional. Skip the nuts if you want a smoother cookie or need a nut-free treat.
Extra Sprinkle Cookies
Adjust the amount of sprinkles based on your preference. More sprinkles make the cookies more colorful and sweet.
Use your favorite festive sprinkles. They make each cookie feel cheerful.
Troubleshooting
The Dough Is Too Thick
The dough is supposed to be thick after the cake mix is added. Do not worry if it looks different from a softer cookie dough.
Keep mixing until the cake mix is fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl to make sure no dry mix remains.
The Cream Cheese Is Lumpy
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can leave lumps in the dough.
Blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth before adding the egg. This gives the dough a better base.
The Butter Does Not Mix Smoothly
The butter should be softened and at room temperature. If it is too cold, it will not blend easily.
Do not melt it. Softened butter creates the right texture.
The Sprinkles Bleed Color
Fold the sprinkles in gently and avoid overmixing. Too much mixing can cause colors to streak through the dough.
Use your favorite festive sprinkles, but mix only until distributed. This keeps the cookies bright.
The Cookies Spread Too Much
Leave enough space between each cookie because they spread a bit while baking. Do not crowd the baking sheet.
Make sure the dough is dropped in similar-sized spoonfuls. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
The Cookies Are Too Brown
Bake for about 20 minutes and watch the edges. The edges should be lightly golden.
Do not bake until the entire cookie is dark. These cookies should stay soft and gooey.
The Cookies Break When Moved
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes first. They are soft when hot.
Then transfer them to a wire rack. This keeps them from falling apart.
The Cookies Stick Together in Storage
Separate layers with parchment paper. This is especially important if freezing or stacking them.
Use an airtight container. This keeps the cookies fresh and easier to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing.
Place them in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. This prevents sticking.
Thaw the cookies at room temperature. This brings them back gently.
You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes. This makes them feel soft and fresh again.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone works wonderfully and gives a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt can also be used, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese. It will help keep the consistency similar.
Use gluten-free cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. Make sure the ingredients show that it is truly gluten-free.
The rest of the ingredients remain the same. No other adjustments are necessary.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter. This creates a dairy-free version.
The final flavor and texture may vary depending on the products. Choose options that work well for baking.
Can I add peppermint?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies can be added. This gives the cookies a festive peppermint twist.
The peppermint adds texture and flavor. It is a fun holiday variation.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, chocolate chips or nuts can be added for extra flavor and crunch. They make the cookies more textured.
Use either or both depending on your preference. Skip nuts if needed for allergies.
They last up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Let them cool before storing.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies work so well because they turn a few simple ingredients into a soft, festive cookie with very little effort. The cream cheese and butter make the dough rich, while the yellow cake mix gives the cookies their gooey texture.
The egg helps bind everything together. Vanilla extract adds warmth and makes the dough taste fuller.
The sprinkles create the holiday look. They bring color and fun without needing frosting or detailed decorating.
The powdered sugar gives the cookies a sweet finish before they even go into the oven. It makes them look more special once baked.
The baking time keeps the edges lightly golden while the centers remain soft. That contrast is what makes gooey butter cookies so satisfying.
The recipe is also flexible enough for many holiday needs. Almond extract, gluten-free cake mix, crushed peppermint, cinnamon, mascarpone, Greek yogurt, vegan cream cheese, dairy-free butter, chocolate chips, nuts, and different sprinkles all give you ways to make the cookies your own.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich holiday cookies made with full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter, egg, vanilla extract, yellow cake mix, festive sprinkles, and powdered sugar. They are quick to prepare, easy to share, and perfect for holiday parties, gifting, cozy nights, or family cookie trays.
Serve them warm with milk or hot cocoa, arrange them on a holiday platter, or freeze a batch for later in the season. With their gooey centers, sweet powdered sugar finish, and cheerful sprinkles, these cookies bring simple holiday joy to every bite.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Soft, rich, sweet, and festive, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are made with cream cheese, butter, yellow cake mix, holiday sprinkles, and powdered sugar. They are easy American dessert cookies for Christmas trays, holiday parties, cookie swaps, or any seasonal baking day that calls for a colorful treat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounce)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter until smooth. This creates the soft, rich base for the cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir until the wet ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Gradually add the yellow cake mix and mix until fully incorporated. The dough should come together evenly before adding the sprinkles.
Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles
Fold in the holiday sprinkles. Mix gently so the sprinkles are distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Portion and Dust the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dust with powdered sugar.
Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies after they have baked until the edges are lightly golden. Their soft cream cheese dough, sweet cake mix base, powdered sugar finish, and holiday sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas cookie trays.
They also work well for holiday parties, cookie swaps, dessert platters, or casual seasonal treats. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the dough, exactly as noted.
Storage
How to Store
The recipe does not provide specific storage instructions or storage duration, so no exact storage time is added here.
Best Texture Tip
Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. This helps keep the centers soft while giving the cookies a finished edge.
Sprinkle Tip
Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently so they stay evenly mixed through the dough. This gives each cookie a festive look.
Flavor Tip
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the dough. No specific salt quantity beyond a pinch is provided, so no additional amount is added here.

Fernando is the creator and writer behind the food blog Eating with your Hands. Living and working in cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Berlin, and being married to a Canadian foodie, has given Fernando a passion and interest in food and inspired him to run EWYH.