If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, look no further than the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine a soft, buttery base with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese center, all wrapped in a sugary coating that creates the most delightful texture contrast. They bring together festive sprinkles and a warm vanilla aroma that instantly fills your kitchen with holiday cheer. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a beloved tradition on your cookie tray every Christmas season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, with ingredients that come together beautifully to create those indulgently rich and soft cookies we all crave. Each item plays a crucial role, from the cream cheese lending smoothness to the cake mix adding structure and flavor, while a touch of vanilla and sprinkles provide that extra festive magic.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides the signature ooey gooey richness and a slight tang.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds butteriness that melts in your mouth and balances sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and gives the cookies their tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warm, comforting flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz box): The base that keeps these cookies soft and full of flavor.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Coats each cookie, providing a gentle sweetness and a delicate outer texture.
- Holiday sprinkles (¼ cup, optional): Adds color and festive fun to make these cookies feel extra special.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies do not stick and bake evenly. This simple preparation step sets you up for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This is the critical base that creates the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all that delicious flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Slowly incorporate the yellow cake mix into the creamy butter and cream cheese blend. Stir until a thick and sticky dough forms—you want it to be just right to hold shape while still being soft.
Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
If you’re adding holiday sprinkles, gently fold them into the dough now. These little bursts of red and green add a festive touch that feels just right for Christmas cookie trays.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl to coat your cookies. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls, then roll each one completely in the powdered sugar. This coating not only adds sweetness but gives the cookies their signature crinkle top.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them because they will spread slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges look set and the tops have those lovely crinkles. The centers should remain soft and gooey, which makes these cookies irresistibly good.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage brings out the perfect combination of ooey gooey inside and lightly crisp outside that makes this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning just as they are, you can always sprinkle an extra dusting of powdered sugar or add a few more holiday sprinkles on top right when they come out of the oven. This extra touch enhances their festive look and adds a little crunch to the first bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these gooey delights with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a frothy eggnog for a classic holiday pairing. Their rich sweetness balances perfectly with any creamy or spiced beverage, creating a cozy moment by the fire or at holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of gifting? Arrange these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies stacked in a decorative tin or jar tied with a bright ribbon. For party platters, juxtapose them with other cookies of different textures and colors to make visually beautiful festive trays that will disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay moist and gooey without drying out or becoming too soft.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the shaped dough balls before rolling in powdered sugar, or freeze the completely baked cookies. To freeze dough balls, place them on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer into a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well too when wrapped tightly.
Reheating
Warm your cookies for just a few seconds in the microwave or in a preheated oven at low temperature to restore that fresh-baked softness and gooey butter center. Be careful not to overheat or they may become dry.
FAQs
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix for another flavor?
Yes, though the traditional yellow cake mix provides the perfect sweetness and texture for this recipe. Vanilla or butter-flavored cake mixes are good alternatives but avoid chocolate or spice mixes as they may overpower the creamy butter base.
Do I need to use unsalted butter, or can I use salted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness in the recipe, especially with the cream cheese and powdered sugar involved. If salted butter is all you have, reduce any additional salt in accompanying dishes or add only a small pinch to the dough.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar?
Rolling the dough in powdered sugar creates the iconic crackled top appearance and adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture on the outside. Without this step, the cookies lose a bit of their signature look and delicate bite.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or white chocolate chips make wonderful additions if you want to add some texture and extra flavor. Just fold them in gently along with the sprinkles before shaping the dough.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges of the cookies should look set and pulled away slightly from the parchment paper, while the tops develop a crinkle appearance. The centers will still be soft – that’s exactly what you want for the ooey gooey signature texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyful about pulling a batch of these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe from the oven. They are quick to prepare, beautifully festive, and deliver that warm, indulgent bite that holiday memories are made of. I truly hope you’ll try making this recipe and let it become your go-to cookie for celebrating the season with loved ones.
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Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and delightfully sweet, perfect for the holiday season. Made with cream cheese, butter, and yellow cake mix, they have a rich, tender texture with a festive touch from holiday sprinkles. Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies develop a crinkly top and an irresistibly gooey center.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
Coating & Topping
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (red and green, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Add the Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a thick, sticky dough forms that holds together well.
- Fold in the Sprinkles: If desired, gently fold in the holiday sprinkles to give the cookies a festive appearance and a bit of extra sweetness.
- Shape the Cookies: Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each piece fully in the powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set, and the tops show a crinkle texture. The centers should remain soft and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and gooey inside.
- Allow the cream cheese and butter to soften fully before mixing for the best texture.
- Holiday sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch perfect for Christmas.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
