Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Festive Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe for Christmas Magic

Sweet memories of childhood drift through kitchens when christmas ooey gooey butter cookies emerge from warm ovens.

Soft clouds of powdered sugar dance across golden surfaces, promising delectable moments.

Grandma’s secret recipe whispers comfort and joy with each tender bite.

Delicate edges crisp while centers remain luxuriously soft and creamy.

Baking these treats connects generations through shared culinary traditions.

Fragrant vanilla and rich butter blend into pure holiday magic.

Gather your mixing bowl and let’s create something deliciously memorable that will spark smiles around your festive table.

Reasons To Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Festive Fun Unleashed: Dive into a holiday baking adventure that transforms simple ingredients into magical Christmas cookies bursting with seasonal cheer.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers and seasoned cookie lovers, this recipe offers foolproof steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These sprinkle-covered cookies bring instant joy to family gatherings, holiday parties, and festive celebrations with their irresistible look and taste.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make these cookies a stress-free treat that can be prepared in a short amount of time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

What You Need For Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

For the Base:
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and tangy flavor to the cookies.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Serves as the primary dry ingredient that gives structure and sweet flavor to the cookies.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a soft, cohesive dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
For the Coating and Decoration:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, soft exterior and provides a classic holiday cookie appearance.
  • Red Sprinkles, Green Sprinkles, Crushed Candy Canes: Add festive color and a delightful crunch to the cookie surface.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

How To Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your holiday cookies.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until they transform into a light and fluffy mixture that looks like a cloud of deliciousness.

Step 3: Add Liquid Magic

Splash in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the ingredients dance together into a smooth, unified mixture.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • Yellow cake mix
  • Salt
  • Initial powdered sugar

Mix until a soft dough comes together, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop the cookie dough into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This cool-down helps the dough become more manageable and easier to shape.

Step 6: Prepare the Coating Station

Set up a shallow dish with powdered sugar, ready for a festive rolling adventure.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of chilled dough, rolling each into perfect little spheres. Give each ball a generous roll in the powdered sugar, creating a winter wonderland effect.

Step 8: Add Holiday Flair

Press each cookie ball into:
  • Red sprinkles
  • Green sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes

Ensure an even distribution of holiday cheer across each cookie.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the decorated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to give them room to spread their festive wings.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely – you want golden edges but centers that remain soft and tender.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Final Festive Touch

If desired, give the cookies a light dusting of additional powdered sugar, creating a snow-like finish to these delightful Christmas treats.

Tips For Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Chill the Dough Effectively: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the cookies' shape during baking.
  • Control Sprinkle Distribution: Gently press sprinkles and candy canes into the cookie balls to ensure even coverage and maximum holiday flair.
  • Prevent Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from the oven when edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft for the perfect texture.
  • Master the Sugar Coating: Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for a classic snow-like appearance and delightful sweet finish.
  • Handle with Care: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking and maintain their delicate structure.

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe Spins

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly treats.
  • Vegan Festive Bites: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, use plant-based butter, and replace egg with flax egg or applesauce for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Swap regular powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia-based powdered sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Chocolate Peppermint Variation: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and use crushed dark chocolate peppermint bark instead of traditional sprinkles for a rich, intense flavor profile.

Great Sips With Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Elevate Holiday Cookies with Perfect Pairings
  • Sip Creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate with a subtle peppermint twist complements the sweet, sugary cookies perfectly, creating a warming winter sensation.
  • Pair with Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm, aromatic mulled wine with hints of cinnamon and orange zest provides a sophisticated adult beverage that balances the cookie's sweetness and adds festive cheer.
  • Serve Alongside Classic Eggnog: Creamy, nutmeg-infused eggnog offers a traditional holiday drink that matches the cookie's rich texture and enhances the overall festive experience.

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Storage Steps

  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and festive flavor.
  • Carefully place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, using wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicate taste and holiday spirit.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent texture changes.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a preheated 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs About Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Are these cookies difficult to make?

No, these cookies are surprisingly simple. Even beginner bakers can easily follow the recipe with basic mixing and rolling techniques.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This makes holiday prep much easier.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll just need standard baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and parchment paper. No specialized equipment is required.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft. Baking for 10-12 minutes typically achieves the ideal texture.

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Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies melt with rich, creamy goodness that whispers holiday cheer. Sugary edges and powdery coating promise sweet memories that will dance on your palate with delightful Christmas magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Base:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Coating/Decoration:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  • 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your festive cookies.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fully integrated.
  3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamy base, stirring until the ingredients are completely blended and smooth.
  4. Gradually fold in the yellow cake mix, salt, and initial powdered sugar, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to handle and shape.
  6. Pour the additional powdered sugar for coating into a shallow dish, preparing a festive rolling station.
  7. Scoop out small portions of chilled dough, rolling each into a perfect sphere and generously coating with powdered sugar.
  8. Gently press each cookie ball into the red and green sprinkles and crushed candy canes, ensuring an even distribution of holiday decorations.
  9. Arrange the decorated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and tender.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired, creating a final festive touch to these delightful Christmas treats.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a perfectly round cookie shape during baking.
  • Softened cream cheese and butter are crucial for creating a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to guarantee even mixing and a consistent cookie texture throughout.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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