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
Scale
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.
