Description
Festive holiday magic sparkles in these Christmas gooey butter cookies, blending sweet cream cheese and powdered sugar into irresistible pillowy bites. Christmas memories melt together with each delicate, sugar-dusted cookie you savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Coating:
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for cookie placement.
- Create a luxurious dough by blending cake mix, cream cheese, butter, egg, vanilla, and almond extracts in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy consistency with a thick, sticky texture.
- Shape the cookie dough into delicate spheres, using a tablespoon as a guide, then generously roll each ball in powdered sugar, creating a soft, cloud-like exterior.
- Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with ample space between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a subtle golden hue around the edges while maintaining a tender, pillowy center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest briefly on the baking sheet to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their signature gooey texture.
Notes
- Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to make these cookies celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with different extract combinations like peppermint or orange to create unique flavor profiles and surprise your taste buds.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a perfect round shape during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to preserve their soft, gooey texture and prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg