© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🎄Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat! 🍪
1. Introduction
Imagine biting into a warm, melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookie that’s rich, gooey, and irresistibly decadent. These Christmas butter cookies are the perfect festive dessert recipe to bring joy to any holiday gathering. With a soft, chewy center and a slightly crispy exterior, they embody comfort and celebration all in one bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or Santa himself, these cookies deliver a memorable taste of the season.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute holiday baking
- Easy-to-make with simple ingredients
- Gooey, rich texture that everyone loves
- Festive presentation ideal for holiday cookie plates
- Versatile — can be customized with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts
3. Ingredient Notes
High-quality butter is essential for that rich, tender crumb. I recommend opting for European-style unsalted butter for the best flavor. The powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth texture. For a more festive touch, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond flavoring. Using fresh, high-quality eggs ensures the cookies hold their structure while remaining soft and tender. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
For best results, equip yourself with the right tools to make baking seamless. I recommend the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange—it makes mixing dough effortless and ensures even blending. A high-quality Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can be a great addition for quickly crisping up cookies or reheating leftovers, keeping your holiday treats fresh. For measuring ingredients accurately, a Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo offers versatile cooking options that also include precise measuring.
5. How to Make Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—your kitchen will fill with a sweet, buttery aroma. Add in a large egg and vanilla extract, then mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, and any optional mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, but manageable.
Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Space them apart—these cookies spread just a little, revealing their gooey centers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-12 minutes. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. The smell of warm, buttery goodness will waft through your kitchen, signaling that they’re almost ready.
Cooling and Serving
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy them slightly warm for that perfect gooey texture. For a festive touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate once cooled. These holiday cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced coffee, completing your festive dessert table.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is properly softened—not melted—to achieve the right dough consistency.
- If you want extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies (they will firm up as they cool).
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking.
- For added holiday flair, sprinkle red and green sugar or festive sprinkles before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Love chocolate? Mix in chocolate chips or chunks before baking. For nutty flavor, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts. Gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. Vegan? Use coconut oil or vegan butter along with flaxseed eggs. These variations make these holiday cookie recipes adaptable to various dietary preferences, perfect for every guest.
8. Storage & Reheating
Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal softness. To refresh their gooey texture, reheat in a air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they tend to become tough or soggy quickly. For longer storage, freeze cookies wrapped individually, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
9. FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, then scoop and bake when you’re ready to serve.
How do I get the cookies extra gooey?
Slightly underbake them so centers stay soft. The residual heat will continue to cook the edges, leaving the centers delightfully gooey.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Pack them in decorative tins or boxes for a delightful holiday gift. They store well and taste best when enjoyed within a few days of baking.
10. Conclusion
These Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try for the holiday season. Their rich, buttery flavor combined with the irresistible gooey center makes them an instant festive favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a stunning, crowd-pleasing treat that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Happy baking and joyful holidays!
Print
Decadent Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Easy Holiday Treat
A rich and gooey holiday butter cookie with a sweet glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, perfect for festive celebrations.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Colorful sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Form dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- For a more festive look, use holiday-colored sprinkles.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg