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Easy Cake Mix Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies with Festive Sprinkles

Close-up of a christmas gooey butter cookies cut in half, showing the soft interior and white frosting topped with colorful sprinkles.
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Make these simple, soft, and chewy Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies using yellow cake mix for a quick holiday treat. These cookies have rich, melt-in-your-mouth centers and a festive powdered sugar coating, perfect for cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
  • 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles (or sanding sugar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the second egg, second teaspoon of vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until well combined.
  4. Whisk the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Stir in the festive red and green sprinkles. This is your gooey topping.
  5. Scoop the cake mix dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll the dough balls lightly in extra powdered sugar if desired, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each ball.
  6. Use the back of a small spoon or your thumb to create a small well in the center of each dough ball.
  7. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese topping mixture into the well of each cookie dough ball.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Do not overbake; the gooey texture is important.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cool, dust generously with additional powdered sugar before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing the topping.
  • If you do not have yellow cake mix, white cake mix works as a substitute for this recipe.
  • These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • For a St. Louis gooey butter treat inspiration, ensure the topping layer is generous.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/christmas-gooey-butter-cookies/