The festive season is upon us, and nothing says āMerry Christmasā quite like a batch of gooey butter cookies fresh from the oven. Picture this: warm, soft cookies ooze with buttery goodness, creating a heavenly experience that dances on your taste buds. Trust me; your holiday gatherings will never be the same after serving these delightful treats.
Now, let me take you down memory lane. As a kid, I remember my grandmaās kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet scent of baking cookies wafting through the air. Those gooey butter cookies were the highlight of our family gatheringsāeveryone would eagerly wait for them to cool before devouring them like they were the last cookie on Earth. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in glorious solitude while watching holiday movies in your pajamas. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure thatāll make you want to bake these all year round!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike
- Their rich flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with a hint of vanilla, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth sensation
- With their charming appearance dusted in powdered sugar, theyāre sure to impress at any festive gathering
- Versatile enough for various occasions, you can enjoy them during holidays or as an everyday treat!
Ingredients for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Hereās what youāll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor; it helps control the saltiness in your cookies.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives your cookies that irresistible sugary crunch and soft texture.
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Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor profile that complements the butter beautifully.
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Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to each bite.
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Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic touch that enhances all other flavors.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise slightly while remaining delightfully gooey inside.
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any cookie dough, it provides structure while keeping them chewy.
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Powdered Sugar: Dust these cookies generously after baking for a lovely snowy finish and added sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Get ready to create some holiday magic! Follow these steps closely, and soon youāll have a plateful of gooey goodness.
Prepare Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and both sugars until light and fluffyāthis should take about three minutes. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, making it impossible not to smile.
Next, add in the eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Then pour in that luscious vanilla extract; oh boy, itās like Christmas in liquid form!
In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour until well combined. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet mixture using gentle foldsāthis keeps our cookies tender instead of tough.
Chill Out (Literally)
Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about an hour. Chilling helps develop those flavors further while ensuring they donāt spread too much during bakingāa win-win situation!
Scoop and Bake!
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Just imagine how cute theyāll look as they bake!
Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look softātrust me; thatās when they reach peak gooiness! Remove from the oven and let them cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
The Snowy Finish
Once completely cooled (if you can resist), dust those lovely cookies with powdered sugar until theyāre white as fresh snow! It gives them that magical wintery vibe we all love during Christmas.
Now itās time for taste-testing! Grab one (or twoā¦ or five) of those gooey butter cookies and relish every bite while reminiscing about cherished holiday moments or planning new memories with friends and family.
And there you have itāChristmas Gooey Butter Cookies that are sure to steal hearts (and stomachs) at any festive gathering! Enjoy this delightful recipe filled with warmth and love as you embrace the spirit of giving this season. Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are not just cookies; theyāre a holiday tradition wrapped in sweetness
- With their rich, gooey center and dusting of powdered sugar, they bring joy to every gathering
- Plus, theyāre easy to whip up, making them a perfect last-minute treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately before folding them into the wet mixture. Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar before baking for 10-12 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist. Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a seasonal flair. You can even try adding chocolate chips or nuts if youāre feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds; theyāll regain their gooey goodness!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly gooey cookies, underbake slightly; theyāll firm up as they cool
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Donāt skip the powdered sugar coating; it adds that delightful sweetness we all love!
Every time I bake these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, my friends and family rave about them! They once disappeared so fast that I had to hide a batch just to enjoy them later.
FAQs:
What are Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional gooey butter cake with the convenience of cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a unique texture that melts in your mouth. They often feature a hint of vanilla and are dusted with powdered sugar, making them a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.
How do I store Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
To keep your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week when stored properly. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time! Prepare the dough and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for several days. This allows you to have delicious cookies on hand for unexpected guests or holiday gatherings without the last-minute stress.
What variations can I try with Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies?
Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! You can add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor. For a fun twist, consider incorporating peppermint extract or using colored sprinkles for a festive touch. These variations will help you personalize your cookies while maintaining their gooey goodness.
Conclusion for Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:
In conclusion, Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that everyone will love during the holiday season. With their soft texture and rich buttery flavor, they make for an irresistible addition to any gathering or celebration. Storing them properly ensures they stay fresh longer, while variations allow you to customize them to suit your taste. Enjoy these delightful cookies as part of your holiday traditions!
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, offering a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. These soft and chewy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a delightful finish, making them perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Get ready to brighten your celebrations with these wintertime delights!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping vanilla extract for almond extract or incorporating seasonal spices like cinnamon. Feel free to fold in chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a festive twist! Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
