Name: Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened); 1/2 cup Butter (softened); 1 large Egg; 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 1 tsp Rum Extract; 1 box Pillsbury Golden Butter Cake Mix; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for rolling)

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As I stirred the buttery batter, the familiar scents of nutmeg and sweet rum wafted into the air, instantly transforming my kitchen into a cozy haven for the holidays. These Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies are not just a festive treat; they’re a delightful way to bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to your celebrations. With their incredibly soft and gooey texture, these cookies come together effortlessly, making them an easy recipe for both baking novices and seasoned pros alike. Plus, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges and will have everyone asking for the secret to that tantalizing flavor. Are you ready to create a batch that will make your holiday gatherings unforgettable?

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Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Soft, Buttery Bliss: These Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies boast an incredibly soft texture that melts in your mouth, making them a must-have holiday treat.

Festive Flavor: The warm spices of nutmeg and a hint of rum extract deliver the classic holiday flavor everyone loves.

Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have cookies that are both impressive and easy to make—perfect for busy bakers!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for holiday cookie exchanges or family gatherings, these gooey delights are sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike.

Delightfully Gooey: The center remains wonderfully gooey, providing a delightful contrast to the lightly crunchy outer layer from powdered sugar.

Pair these cookies with a warm drink and consider making Garlic Butter Chicken for a cozy meal afterward!

Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to bake these delightful cookies filled with the magic of the holiday season!

For the Dough

Cream Cheese – Adds richness and moisture to the dough; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Butter – Essential for a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture; don’t forget to soften it.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s lovely moisture.
Ground Nutmeg – Infuses the cookies with a warm holiday spice flavor, making them reminiscent of traditional eggnog.
Rum Extract – Enhances that delightful holiday taste, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Pillsbury Golden Butter Cake Mix – Provides structure and sweetness while simplifying the baking process.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise, giving them that soft and airy texture.
Powdered Sugar – For rolling the cookie dough balls, creating a sweet outer layer that adds a magical touch.

Prepare to indulge in the gooey goodness of these Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies that will surely elevate your holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly, allowing you to create delightful Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This step ensures the dough will have that rich and buttery flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Spices
Add one egg and ground nutmeg into your creamy mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well incorporated, taking care to scrape down the sides of the bowl. You should see a uniform blend, and the warm scent of nutmeg will fill your kitchen, hinting at the festive treat that’s on the way.

Step 4: Add Rum Extract
Now, stir in the rum extract, continuing to mix until evenly distributed. This will enhance the holiday flavor reminiscent of classic eggnog, adding depth to the dough. Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency; your Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies mixture should look deliciously inviting at this point.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the Pillsbury Golden Butter Cake Mix and baking powder into your wet ingredients. You can do this in two or three additions to avoid a flour cloud! Mix on low speed until there are no dry spots remaining, and the dough is cohesive. The blend should be thick and slightly sticky, which is the key to that gooey texture.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
To make handling the dough easier, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling will help firm up the dough, making it simpler to roll into smooth balls that will turn into your delicious Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 2-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking, ensuring a soft and gooey finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies; they should appear soft and slightly gooey on top but not browned. That’s the perfect state for your Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies, which helps maintain their delightful texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will allow them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the heavenly aroma as you prepare them for serving!

Step 10: Finishing Touches
As a final touch, you can optionally sprinkle the cookies with more powdered sugar before serving. This will give them an extra festive look, making your Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies a beautiful addition to any holiday gathering!

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What to Serve with Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies

These delightful treats are not just a holiday cookie; they’re the perfect centerpiece for a cozy festive gathering.

Rich Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing, rich hot cocoa enhances the sweet and festive flavors of the cookies.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the nutmeg in the cookies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a delightful cold contrast to the warm, gooey cookies.
Gingerbread Lattes: The ginger and cinnamon notes of a gingerbread latte echo the holiday spirit and harmonize beautifully with the cookies.
Pecan Sandies: These buttery, crunchy cookies offer different textures, making for a delightful tea-time trio when enjoyed together.
Holiday Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a burst of brightness and balance, refreshing your palate after indulging in sweet treats.
Nutty Mulled Wine: The warming spices of mulled wine pair perfectly, enveloping your senses while you enjoy both sips and bites.
Festive Cheese Board: Incorporate light cheeses and nuts for a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies, creating a well-rounded snacking experience for your guests.

Bringing these pairings together will create a feast of flavors that not only complements your Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies but also enhances the warmth and joy of the holiday season!

Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize it to your taste buds. The possibilities are deliciously endless!

Cinnamon Twist: Substitute ground nutmeg with cinnamon for a warm spice profile that’s classic and comforting.
Vanilla Delight: Use vanilla extract in place of rum extract for a delightful non-alcoholic version, perfect for everyone.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of indulgence; it’s a flavor match made in heaven!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey center.
Minty Fresh: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract instead of rum for a refreshing twist, perfect for the holiday season. Cheers to minty goodness!
Eggnog Variation: Replace the cream cheese with an eggnog-flavored cream cheese, amplifying that traditional holiday flavor even more.
Spiced Rum Kick: If you enjoy a stronger taste, switch out the rum extract for spiced rum, providing a robust kick to each bite.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch that adds delightful flavor and a pop of color to your cookies.

No matter the variation you choose, these delightful treats will surely capture hearts just like a cozy evening spent with loved ones—perhaps paired with a cup of Garlic Butter Chicken or a sweet side like Peanut Butter Cookies. Enjoy your holiday baking!

Storage Tips for Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft, gooey goodness.

Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week. Ensure they’re in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Dough Storage: You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet; once firm, transfer to a bag for later baking! Enjoy your homemade Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Make Ahead Options

These Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks ready to get a jump on their holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply make the dough, roll it into balls, and coat them in powdered sugar, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes; they’ll be just as gooey and delicious as freshly made. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for perfectly soft and festive Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies on demand!

Expert Tips for Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes makes it easier to handle, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Mind the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies—remove them while they’re still soft and lightly gooey on top, which is key for the perfect eggnog gooey butter cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of that delightful soft texture.
Powdered Sugar Tip: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar; this not only sweetens the cookie but adds a festive touch.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to swap nutmeg for cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for a unique twist; it enhances the holiday flavor profile even more!

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Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cream cheese should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s softened; this will help it blend smoothly with the butter, ensuring your cookies have that rich, gooey consistency.

How should I store the baked cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, the fridge works well for up to a week—just make sure they’re sealed tight to prevent them from drying out!

Can I freeze Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies?
Definitely! To freeze the baked cookies, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. If you want to bake them fresh later, you can also freeze the unbaked dough—roll it into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and follow the same freezing method.

What if my cookies turn out too flat?
Very! If you notice your cookies spreading too much, it may be due to the butter being too soft. Ensure that both your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted—this gives the cookies structure. Additionally, if the dough is too warm from handling, chilling it for another 20-30 minutes can help maintain their shape while baking.

Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
I often advise caution! These cookies contain ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and eggs, which are not safe for pets, especially dogs. Additionally, if you have any allergies to dairy, eggs, or gluten, adjustments are necessary. Consider gluten-free cake mixes and dairy alternatives if needed, but keep in mind that this might alter the cookie’s gooey texture slightly.