These Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the simplicity of cake mix cookies with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. Perfect for cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, these cookies are easy to whip up and sure to impress. Their gooey centers and sweet sprinkles make them a standout dessert that captures the spirit of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
- Melt-in-your-Mouth Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives these cookies their signature soft and gooey interior.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the holiday sprinkles for any color or theme that fits your occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 32 cookies, making it ideal for holiday parties and gift-giving.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping with mixing, rolling, and decorating these festive treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures your ingredients blend smoothly, which is crucial for achieving that delightful gooey texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to organize your ingredients efficiently.
- Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly for perfectly baked cookies.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Gradually stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the colors vibrant.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when forming cookie balls.
Step 5: Form Cookie Balls
Scoop out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls:
1. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
2. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes:
– The edges should set while the centers remain slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Enjoy your delicious Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies! They are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
How to Serve Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
These delightful Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a festive treat that pairs well with various accompaniments.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their sweetness and creaminess.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your gooey butter cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the cookies’ soft texture, making for a cozy snack.
Gift-Wrapped for Loved Ones
- Place the cookies in decorative tins or boxes to create thoughtful gifts. Add a personal note to spread holiday cheer among friends and family.
At Cookie Exchanges
- Bring these cookies to cookie exchanges. Their unique texture and festive appearance will surely impress fellow bakers and sweet lovers alike.
How to Perfect Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
To ensure your Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use softened ingredients: Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps firm it up, making it easier to scoop and preventing spreading during baking.
- Don’t overmix: When folding in the sprinkles, be gentle. Overmixing can cause the colors to bleed into the dough, altering its festive look.
- Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be just set at the edges but still soft in the center, ensuring they maintain that gooey texture.
Best Side Dishes for Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
If you’re looking to complement your Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies with some delightful side dishes, consider these options:
- Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses provides a savory balance to the rich flavors of the cookies. - Chocolate Fondue
Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit or even cookie pieces for extra indulgence. - Mini Cupcakes
Offer mini cupcakes in various flavors as an additional sweet treat that pairs well with gooey butter cookies. - Spiced Nuts
Serve spiced nuts as a crunchy counterpart that adds texture and flavor diversity to your holiday spread. - Hot Chocolate Bar
Create a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks for a cozy winter drink option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can cause tough cookies and bleed colors from your sprinkles. Mix just until combined to keep them soft.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked centers or burnt edges. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on sheets can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Ignoring cookie size uniformity: Unevenly sized dough balls can bake inconsistently. Use a scoop for uniformity, ensuring even baking throughout.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat cookies individually for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet on low heat for a minute or so until just warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies?
Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies made with cream cheese and yellow cake mix, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Can I customize my Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add different types of sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even nuts to create your unique twist on this classic recipe.
How long do Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these delicious cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Can I use other cake mixes for this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix like chocolate or lemon to create various versions of these gooey butter cookies.
Are Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free cake mix. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
These Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies are not only easy to make but also bring festive cheer with their delightful taste and appearance. Their soft texture makes them irresistible, while customization options allow you to tailor them to your liking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the joy they bring during the holiday season!
Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies! Combining the richness of cream cheese with a simple cake mix, these cookies deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is sure to impress your holiday guests. With their gooey centers and colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to share with loved ones. Quick and easy to prepare, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the cake mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out dough into 1½-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg