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.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gooey butter cookies, holiday treats, festive dessert, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies, soft cookies, cream cheese cookies