Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies to Sweeten Your Holidays

There’s something about the holidays that calls for a little extra sweetness, a cozy kitchen filled with the scent of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies are just the kind of treat I reach for when I want that nostalgic comfort without fussing over complicated recipes. Growing up in a white farmhouse nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mama Lu’s kitchen was always warm—not just from the stove but from the love she poured into every bite. These cookies remind me of those afternoons spent with her, where recipes weren’t measured but felt, remembered, and shared like a secret language of togetherness.

Why You’ll Love This Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies

These cookies capture everything I cherish about holiday baking: simplicity, warmth, and that melt-in-your-mouth goodness that keeps you reaching back for one more. What makes these Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies stand out isn’t just their buttery richness but the way they bring that familiar, cozy feeling of Mama Lu’s kitchen right to your own. They’re forgiving too—perfect for anyone who’s not quite a seasoned baker but still wants to impress friends and family.

I remember one chilly December, racing against an approaching snowstorm, whipping up a batch of these cookies with my daughter. No measuring cups, just a pinch of this, a splash of that, and a whole lot of laughter. By the time the storm hit, the cookies were ready, and the storm outside couldn’t compete with the warmth inside our little Portland kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Mama Lu always said to use the real deal for the best flavor)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adds to the melt-in-your-mouth texture)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or the whole vanilla bean if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 190 per cookie (based on 24 cookies)
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 11g (mostly from butter, the good kind)
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg

Print

Steps to Create Your Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 3 to 5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. This step is like the heart of the cookie, where you build softness and sweetness.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed butter mixture. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want tender, not tough.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and optional spices. This is where the dry meets the magic.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be soft and a little sticky—if it feels too dry, a teaspoon of milk helps, but don’t add too much.
6. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are just turning golden, but centers that still look soft and slightly glossy. This is the key to gooey goodness—don’t overbake!
8. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up just enough while staying delightfully gooey inside.

Tips for Making the Best Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies

One thing Mama Lu taught me, and I pass it on to you, is that baking is as much about feel as it is about following steps. Here are a few nuggets from my farmhouse kitchen to yours: Learn more: Irresistibly Soft Maple Cookies with Decadent Brown Butter Icing

• Softened Butter Is Your Best Friend: Don’t melt it or use it too cold. Softened butter creams better with sugar, trapping air that leads to tender cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining flour with wet ingredients, mix just until you see no more dry streaks. Overworking the dough makes cookies tough, which Mama Lu would frown upon.
• Watch Your Oven: Every oven is a little different—start checking your cookies around 9 minutes. Remember, they continue to cook a bit on the hot baking sheet after you take them out.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: This helps cookies bake evenly and prevents burning on the bottom. It also makes cleanup simpler—something I appreciate after long holiday days.
• Add a Pinch of Soul: If you can’t find vanilla extract, or want an extra layer of flavor, a splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg can add warmth and depth.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Back in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a plate of cookies was never just a treat; it was an invitation to sit a spell and share stories. These Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks and quiet moments. Here’s how I like to serve them:

• A steaming cup of black coffee or rich hot chocolate, perfect for a snowy afternoon on the porch swing.
• With a dollop of homemade blackberry jam (a nod to Mama Lu’s pantry) alongside for dipping.
• Sprinkled with a little flaky sea salt just before serving to balance the sweetness and highlight the buttery flavor.
• Stacked on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a simple yet elegant holiday presentation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cookies like these are best enjoyed fresh, but I know sometimes life gets busy, and you need to stash a few away for later. Here’s how to keep your Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies tasting their best:

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft and gooey by absorbing excess moisture.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies after they’ve completely cooled. Layer them between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, pop frozen or room temp cookies into a warm oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This revives that gooey center and soft edges like fresh from the oven.
• A quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) also works if you’re in a hurry, but watch them closely to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies?

The main ingredients for Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies?

The total time to make Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies?

Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

These Super Easy Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies are more than just holiday treats—they’re a little piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ heart, transported through flour, butter, and a bit of sugar. When I bake them, I feel Mama Lu’s presence in the kitchen, her quiet strength and warmth reminding me that food is never just about filling plates. It’s about filling hearts and creating moments to remember.

Whether you’re baking with family, friends, or simply treating yourself on a cold winter’s day, these cookies offer comfort and joy, wrapped up in buttery, gooey perfection. So pull out that mixing bowl, toss on your flour-dusted apron like I did all those years ago on the porch with Mama Lu, and make a batch of your own holiday memories.