If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite, look no further than this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the perfect balance of buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth softness, decorated with cheerful red and green sprinkles to brighten any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own sweet tooth, this recipe brings an irresistible combination of creamy, cakey, and sugary goodness that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simple pantry staples, each chosen to create that perfect texture and flavor. Every ingredient plays a starring role, making the dough luscious, tender, and just sweet enough to satisfy your holiday cravings.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The rich, creamy base that gives the cookies their luscious texture and buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a delightful tang and moisture, making these cookies wonderfully gooey inside.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything together while adding richness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, fragrant note that balances sweetness perfectly.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Provides a soft crumb and subtle sweetness that’s essential to the cookie’s structure.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for coating, this adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful crackled finish to each cookie.
- Red and green sprinkles: For that festive holiday touch, making these cookies as joyful to look at as they are to eat.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by combining the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is impeccably smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture we all adore.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, toss in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated. The vanilla infuses the dough with aromatic warmth, while the egg ensures a slightly rich and tender crumb.
Step 3: Mix in the Yellow Cake Mix
Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the bowl. Stir until a thick, cohesive dough forms. This cake mix is your secret weapon for that perfectly soft bite that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their ooey gooey centers during baking.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare to Bake
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the pan effortlessly.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Once the dough is firm, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Then, gently roll each ball in powdered sugar until they’re nicely coated. This not only gives a beautiful crackled surface but also adds that perfect sugary crunch.
Step 7: Add Sprinkles and Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Press a few red and green sprinkles onto each cookie for that merry touch. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes—watching closely! The edges should be set while the centers remain irresistibly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool right on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps the cookies firm up just enough to handle without losing that delightful gooey center.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive flair, sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter over your cookies or add mini candy canes crushed into fine bits on top right after baking. Whipped cream or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can also amp up the cozy holiday vibes alongside your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or perhaps a spiced chai latte. Their rich, buttery goodness complements warm drinks perfectly, making the entire experience feel like a comforting holiday hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a vintage holiday plate, surrounded by fresh pine branches and ornaments for an eye-catching center display. Wrap them individually in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon to gift to neighbors or friends—guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and flavorful. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy your treat throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the dough balls after coating them in powdered sugar on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect freshness whenever you desire.
Reheating
Warm your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe leftovers for just a few seconds in the microwave for that freshly baked warmth. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to revive their soft, gooey charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of yellow?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic buttery sweetness, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind the flavor balance and choose complementary sprinkles for the best results.
Why do the cookies stay soft in the middle?
The combination of cream cheese and butter, along with careful baking time, ensures the center remains moist and gooey. Baking just until the edges set prevents over-drying, which is key for that signature ooey gooey texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you find a gluten-free yellow cake mix, this recipe can easily adapt. Just double-check all labels on ingredients like sprinkles and powdered sugar to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.
Why do we roll the dough in powdered sugar?
Rolling in powdered sugar creates a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that contrasts delightfully with the soft inside. It also helps the cookies bake into that classic crinkly, festive appearance.
How long will these cookies keep their texture?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their soft, gooey center for up to five days. Beyond that, they might start to firm up but can be refreshed with gentle reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like biting into a warm, buttery Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe cookie to lift your holiday spirit. Its simplicity makes it approachable, and the flavors keep everyone coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy it brings as much as I do every festive season.
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, buttery, and rich with a cream cheese-based dough and coated in powdered sugar, these cookies are topped with colorful red and green sprinkles that add a cheerful touch. They bake to a delicate crumb with a gooey center, making them an irresistible addition to any cookie tray or holiday gathering.
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
Coating and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red and green sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a uniform texture.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
- Incorporate the cake mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick, cohesive dough forms that is easy to handle.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and coat the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough into balls. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar evenly coating the surface to create a sweet, crackled exterior.
- Arrange and decorate: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Press a few red and green sprinkles onto the top of each ball for a festive look.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft and gooey. Do not overbake to maintain the signature ooey gooey texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Do not overbake; the centers should remain soft for the characteristic gooey texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
