Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly crisp around the edges, yet yields to a soft, gooey center exploding with buttery, vanilla-kissed flavor. These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are exactly that – a holiday baking dream come true! They’re incredibly easy to make, even easier to devour, and are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. With their festive, snow-dusted appearance, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter or a delightful treat to leave out for Santa. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and requires no chilling time, making it a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday baking plans.

As a seasoned home baker with over a decade of experience crafting sweet treats, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting cookie recipes. I’ve tested various techniques to achieve that signature gooey texture. The inspiration for these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies came from my love for classic gooey butter cake, but transformed into a more portable and shareable form. Baking is my passion, and sharing these festive cookies is my way of spreading holiday cheer. This updated recipe incorporates a touch of almond extract to complement the vanilla, enhancing the overall flavor profile, which aligns with the growing trend of elevating classic comfort foods. So grab your mixer and let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

The beauty of these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already!

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups. Provides structure to the cookies. You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Essential for flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened, not melted!
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. This is the key to the gooey center. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
• Eggs: 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the sweetness and adds a classic cookie flavor. Consider using vanilla bean paste for a stronger vanilla flavor.
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon. A touch of almond extract perfectly complements the vanilla flavor and creates a delicious aroma.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting. This gives the cookies their beautiful snowy appearance.

Ingredient Science & Substitutions:

• Butter: Butter provides a rich, tender crumb. Margarine can be used as a substitute but the taste and texture will be different.
• Cream Cheese: The acidity of the cream cheese also helps to tenderize the cookie, contributing to its signature texture.
• Flour: Ensure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in drier cookies.
• Extracts: Feel free to experiment with different extracts like lemon or peppermint to customize the flavor.
• Sugar: The type of sugar also impacts the cookies’ texture. Using all granulated sugar will create crispier cookies, while using a mix of granulated and brown sugar results in softer, chewier cookies.

Expert Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cookies

Baking these cookies is straightforward, but these tips will help you achieve the best results:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Softened Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened. This ensures they blend smoothly and evenly into the batter.
• Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They are delicate when warm.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust generously with powdered sugar once the cookies are cooled. This adds sweetness and creates a beautiful presentation.
• Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

My Testing Notes:

• I’ve found that using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is essential for preventing the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
• For a festive touch, consider adding sprinkles or colored sugar to the tops of the cookies before baking.

Storage & Substitutions

Proper storage will keep your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies fresh and delicious. Plus, some substitution ideas to cater to dietary needs.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the dough.

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Be sure to check the labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.
• Sugar-Free: Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar-free substitute like erythritol or stevia. Keep in mind that this might affect the cookies’ texture.
• Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or lemon for a unique flavor twist.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a nutty flavor and added texture.

FAQ About Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter instead of softened butter, overmixing the dough, or using too much sugar. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened, and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

How do I get the perfect gooey center?

The cream cheese is key to the gooey center. Use full-fat cream cheese and make sure it’s properly softened. Also, don’t overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. However, the texture and flavor will be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened, not melted. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins to customize the flavor. White chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips would be delicious additions.

These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. Their simple ingredients, easy instructions, and irresistible flavor make them a winner for any baking occasion. From their slightly crisp edges to their melt-in-your-mouth, gooey centers, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen! Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a few out for Santa!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday cookie recipes, such as Classic Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread cookies, and Peanut Butter Blossoms. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips!

Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

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