If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, then you’re going to adore this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate comfort bite—soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet with that irresistible ooey gooey center. Packed with the rich flavors of cream cheese and butter and topped with bright red and green sprinkles, they’re sure to become your new holiday tradition. Let me take you through everything you need to know to make these show-stopping cookies that bring joy with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one has a special role—from creating the luscious, creamy texture to giving the cookies their tender crumb and festive look.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures the dough becomes creamy and holds moisture for that ooey gooey effect.
- Cream cheese: Softened and rich, cream cheese adds a tangy smoothness that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, bringing all the ingredients together for a perfectly chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the buttery notes.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the structure and subtle sweetness, simplifying the recipe while delivering spectacular results.
- Powdered sugar: Coats the dough balls for a delicate sweetness and that iconic crinkled cookie look once baked.
- Red and green sprinkles: Nothing says Christmas like festive sprinkles—they add a cheerful pop of color and a little crunch.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination creates the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth to the dough, ensuring every bite is packed with that classic, comforting aroma.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the yellow cake mix into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until a thick, soft dough forms—don’t overmix, as you want the cookies tender and soft once baked.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shaping it into perfect little balls without sticky fingers.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly with a nice golden edge.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then generously roll each one in powdered sugar. This coating gives the cookies a light sweetness and that signature cracked surface once baked.
Step 7: Decorate with Sprinkles
Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few red and green sprinkles onto the top of each cookie—a festive touch that screams holiday cheer.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies reach peak deliciousness when cooled just right!
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe with additional garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of white chocolate for a festive flair and an extra hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, robust coffee, or creamy eggnog. The rich, buttery sweetness of the cookies balances perfectly with these cozy holiday beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or holiday parties, stack the cookies in a festive tin or wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a red and green ribbon. You can also arrange them on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by pine sprigs or mini ornaments for a charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls before baking for fresh cookies anytime—just thaw and bake as directed.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven to revive their soft, gooey texture. Be careful not to overheat, or they may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional for this recipe, vanilla or butter cake mixes can also work nicely. Just expect a slight variation in flavor and color.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated after baking?
They don’t necessarily require refrigeration after baking. Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature works well since the cookies are self-moisturizing from the cream cheese and butter.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’re set for a delicious treat.
How do I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can reduce the powdered sugar coating slightly or opt for a cake mix with less sugar. However, the balance of flavors in this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is pretty perfect as is.
What’s the best way to get the cookies extra gooey in the center?
Make sure not to overbake your cookies—removing them as soon as the edges set while the center still looks soft ensures that delightful ooey gooey center every time.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is more than just a delightful holiday dessert; it’s a celebration of classic flavors and cozy textures that bring people together. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet evening by the fire, these cookies offer that warm, festive feeling in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how magical a simple cookie can be during the holidays!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, featuring a rich blend of cream cheese and butter combined with yellow cake mix for an irresistibly soft and creamy texture. Rolled in powdered sugar and decorated with colorful red and green sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and guaranteed to bring joy to your cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red and green sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated to enhance flavor and bind the dough.
- Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick, cohesive dough forms, ensuring even texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up and become easier to handle for shaping.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat evenly, providing a sweet, crackly exterior.
- Arrange and Decorate: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few red and green sprinkles onto the top of each ball for festive decoration.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, giving the cookies their signature gooey texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough is crucial for easier handling and better texture when baking.
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their gooey centers.
- You can substitute yellow cake mix with white cake mix for a subtle variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger flavor, use real vanilla extract instead of imitation.
