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Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a perfectly gooey and tender texture, enhanced by a subtle hint of vanilla and a powdered sugar dusting. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, these festive cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, gifting, and sharing warmth on chilly winter days.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Filling Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter Base: Start by beating 1 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This builds the creamy texture that forms the foundation of your cookies.
  2. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder to the butter mixture, stirring gently to combine without overworking. This ensures your cookies stay soft without becoming tough.
  3. Spread the Dough in the Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, creating a smooth, firm base layer for the gooey filling to rest on.
  4. Prepare the Gooey Filling: Beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons softened butter until smooth and creamy—this luscious filling is the heart of your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
  5. Spread the Filling and Bake: Spread the creamy filling evenly over the dough base, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the top is set but still slightly soft for that signature gooey finish.
  6. Cool and Cut: Allow the cookies to cool completely before slicing into squares. For easier slicing, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before cutting. This helps the gooey filling settle, making them easier to serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking for the best texture.
  • Don’t overbake; remove when edges are firm but center is still slightly soft for perfect gooeyness.
  • Grease the pan well to prevent sticking and to help cookies come out in perfect squares.
  • Chill the baked cookies before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Dust with powdered sugar or add colored sugar crystals for a festive touch before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday treats, festive dessert, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies, soft cookies, cream cheese cookies