There is nothing quite like the warm, melt-in-your-mouth magic of the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe to bring joy into your holiday kitchen. These delightful little treats combine the buttery richness of cream cheese with the soft crumb of cake mix, creating a cookie so irresistibly fluffy yet decadently gooey that every bite feels like a celebration. Perfectly festive with red and green sprinkles, these cookies are as charming to look at as they are delicious, making them an all-time favorite to share with family and friends during the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the best part about this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. Each item plays its part, from the tangy cream cheese giving richness to the batter, to the cake mix providing that tender, soft base we all love. Together, they create a harmonious texture and flavor that’s both easy to achieve and truly satisfying.
- Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation of these cookies, offering lightness and sweet vanilla flavor.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): Adds luscious creaminess and buttery depth that makes these cookies ooey and gooey.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Enhances moisture and richness without overpowering the sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the overall flavor profile with warm, familiar notes.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar: Instantly brings festive color and a delightful crunch.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Creates that classic powdered sugar coating on each cookie, making them extra special.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes perfectly smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it ensures the cookies have that irresistibly rich and tender crumb we are aiming for.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add the egg along with vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) into the bowl. Mix everything together until fully combined. These add-ins inject flavor and help the dough bind together beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually sift in the vanilla cake mix, stirring it into the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms. The key here is to mix just enough for the dough to come together without overworking it, keeping your cookies wonderfully soft.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple prep ensures an even bake and easy clean-up.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then, generously roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat completely. Press each cookie lightly into your festive red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar, creating that signature sparkle and holiday charm.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft and gooey. This bake time is where the magic happens, giving you tender, slightly gooey centers that make these cookies unforgettable.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set perfectly so each bite melts in your mouth in the best way.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkled coating adds festive flair, you can elevate your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe with a dusting of extra powdered sugar or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. It’s a simple way to make your treats look as stunning as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a warm cup of mulled cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or your favorite holiday tea. Their sweet, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with spiced drinks, creating a cozy holiday pairing that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your cookies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or tying stacks of cookies with a red ribbon as charming holiday gifts. Presentation adds to the holiday spirit and sharing these beauties becomes a joyful experience on its own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving that signature gooey texture we all crave.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy or reheat gently for that fresh-baked feeling.
Reheating
To revive that warm, ooey gooey goodness, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven. This little trick brings back that homemade freshness and softness in no time.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for that distinct ooey gooey texture, so omitting it would change the cookie dramatically. If you must, cream cheese substitutes may work but expect a different texture and flavor.
What type of cake mix works best?
A vanilla cake mix is ideal because it provides a neutral, sweet base that complements the butter and cream cheese perfectly. Avoid strongly flavored or chocolate mixes for this particular recipe.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and adds only a subtle nutty note. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, simply leave it out without compromising the deliciousness.
How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is key to controlling spread. Also, don’t press the cookies too flat when shaping; a light press to adhere sprinkles is enough.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe relies on a conventional cake mix which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, seek out a certified gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Making the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is like giving yourself the gift of joy wrapped in buttery, soft cookies with a festive crunch. They are surprisingly simple to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for holiday celebrations big or small. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a holiday tradition you’re excited to bake year after year!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, made with vanilla cake mix and cream cheese for a soft, rich texture. Dusted with powdered sugar and festive red and green sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Coating and Decoration
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, then mix until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the vanilla cake mix and continue mixing until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Set 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: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Then press each ball lightly into the red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar to add festive decoration. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their soft texture while allowing them to set properly.
Notes
- For an extra festive look, use a mix of red and green sprinkles as decoration.
- These cookies freeze well; prepare in advance for holiday gatherings and thaw before serving.
