Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies

Name: Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Published: January 21, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The cream cheese gives these cookies a rich, soft consistency that will leave everyone wanting more.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out the holiday sprinkles for your favorite colors or types to suit any occasion.
Perfect for Sharing: With 32 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to combine ingredients quickly, ensuring a smooth dough.
Baking sheets: Good-quality baking sheets will help the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Cookie scoop: Using a scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps with even baking.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, gather the following 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

For Decoration

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 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prepares your workspace for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth. This forms a creamy base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine with Cake Mix

Stir in the cake mix until a thick dough forms. Ensure all dry ingredients are well incorporated into the wet mixture.

Step 4: Add Sprinkles

Gently fold in holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve the vibrant colors of the sprinkles in your dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when forming cookies.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds sweetness and enhances their appearance.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up while maintaining their gooey center.

Now that you’ve made your Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them at your next holiday gathering!

How to Serve Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies

These delightful Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any festive gathering.

With a Cup of Hot Cocoa

Pair your cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Arrange your cookies on a colorful platter alongside other holiday treats. This creates a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.

As Party Favors

Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons. These make thoughtful party favors that guests can take home and enjoy later.

With Ice Cream

Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm and cold textures is simply divine.

Drizzled with Chocolate

Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of decadence. This enhances both flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies

To achieve the ultimate gooey texture and flavor, follow these helpful tips while making your Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies.

Use Softened Ingredients: Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing, leading to a smoother dough.
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps it hold its shape during baking, resulting in perfectly round cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When folding in sprinkles, mix gently to prevent them from breaking and bleeding color into the dough.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges are set but centers remain soft for that gooey texture.
Experiment with Sprinkles: Feel free to use different types of holiday sprinkles or even colored sugar for variety in presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies

While these cookies stand out on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert table even further.

Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of color and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses with crackers for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
Nut Mix: A spiced nut mix provides crunch and flavor, making it an excellent accompaniment to the soft texture of the cookies.
Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes in various flavors as an alternative sweet treat that pairs well with gooey butter cookies.
Hot Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider infused with spices for a comforting drink option that complements holiday flavors.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a healthier side dish that adds creaminess and crunch alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies, a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients – Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense texture rather than the desired gooeyness.
Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
Overmixing the dough – Mixing too vigorously after adding the sprinkles can cause their color to bleed into the dough. Gently fold them in instead.
Ignoring baking times – Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they look set but still soft in the center.
Skipping powdered sugar coating – Rolling the cookie balls in powdered sugar adds a delightful sweetness and beautiful finish. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Use parchment paper between layers 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 once frozen.
They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave – Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies:

How do I make Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.

Can I substitute cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes! You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

What are some variations for Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your cookies further for different flavors!

How do I store leftover Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies?

Place them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Special Occasion Gooey Butter Cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing during the festive season. With their soft texture and sweet taste, they’re sure to delight everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for personalized flavors!

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