Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: The Soft, Festive Treat Everyone Loves
If there’s one holiday dessert that never fails to bring joy, it’s Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. Soft, chewy, buttery, and full of festive red and green colors, these cookies are the kind of treat that disappears the moment they hit the table. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver that melt-in-your-mouth texture people dream about during the holidays.
These cookies combine everything we love about classic gooey butter bars ,rich cream cheese, soft dough, and a slightly crisp exterior ,but transform them into fun and colorful Christmas cookies that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, making treats for neighbors, or just want a cozy December dessert, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies always win.
Why Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Are So Popular This Year
Holiday baking trends for 2025 show a major shift toward simple, nostalgic recipes that feel homemade, comforting, and festive. These cookies check all the boxes:
- Bright holiday colors without needing elaborate decorating
- Soft, gooey centers that taste bakery-quality
- Foolproof recipe that’s perfect for beginners
- Freezer-friendly and great for gifting
- Instagram & Pinterest-ready look with naturally festive color pops
This year, recipes featuring cream cheese + cake mix are trending because they’re affordable, easy, and create consistently soft cookies ,and that’s exactly why gooey butter cookies are having their moment.
What Makes Them “Gooey”?
The magic comes from the cream cheese + butter combo, which keeps the dough tender and moist. When baked, the edges get light and slightly crisp while the centers stay ultra-soft. Add a dusting of powdered sugar, and you get that signature holiday cookie look.
The red and green candies or sprinkles create a festive marbled effect—no icing required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cookies use pantry staples, which is another reason they’re trending:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Yellow cake mix
- Egg
- Vanilla
- Powdered sugar
- Red & green sprinkles OR holiday chocolate pieces
That’s it ,no chill time, no complicated steps, no mess.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies (Easy Method)
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in the cake mix.
- Fold in red and green sprinkles or candies.
- Scoop dough into small balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake until the edges look set but the centers look soft.
The secret is not overbaking ,that keeps the cookies gooey.
Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cookies
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth dough.
- Add extra sprinkles on top before baking for brighter color.
- If making ahead, underbake slightly ,they continue cooking on the tray.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.
These cookies also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep.
Why These Cookies Belong on Your Christmas Baking List
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies look festive with zero decorating effort, taste incredible, and work for every holiday event. They’re kid-friendly, adult-approved, and almost guaranteed to be the treat everyone asks for again.
Whether you’re creating a Christmas cookie tray, sending treats to school, or photographing your holiday bakes for Pinterest, these cookies steal the show every single time.
