Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Introduction

The holiday season is upon us, and one of the best parts of this time of year is undoubtedly the delicious array of treats that accompany it. This year, I decided to try something new and festive for my cookie platter: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Let me tell you, these cookies are a true showstopper. Soft, sweet, and buttery, they are guaranteed to melt in your mouth with every bite. The addition of cream cheese gives them a rich, decadent texture, while the colorful holiday sprinkles bring a touch of seasonal cheer to each cookie.

When I first tried making these cookies, I was amazed at how easy they were to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create the perfect holiday treat that will impress everyone from your family to your friends. Plus, these cookies have quickly become a favorite in our household. My family loves the soft, gooey center and the slight crunch of the powdered sugar coating. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, and after just one bite, they’re sure to be a holiday classic for years to come.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup holiday sprinkles (red and green, optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step to get the perfect consistency. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Add Cake Mix:
Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the bowl, mixing until a thick, sticky dough forms. The dough will be quite soft, but that’s what gives these cookies their signature gooey texture.
Fold in Sprinkles:
If you’re using holiday sprinkles, fold them into the dough. This adds a festive touch and a bit of crunch to the cookies. The sprinkles are entirely optional, but I highly recommend them for that extra burst of holiday cheer!
Shape the Cookies:
In a small bowl, place the powdered sugar. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball of dough in the powdered sugar, making sure they’re fully coated. This step will give the cookies their signature crinkle top.
Bake the Cookies:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have a crinkled appearance. The cookies should still be soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain gooey inside.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and prevent them from falling apart. Once cooled, enjoy your soft, ooey-gooey holiday cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 13g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve

Serve with a glass of milk for a classic treat pairing.
These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a coffee for a cozy winter afternoon.
For a fun presentation, arrange them in a gift box or a decorative tin for sharing with loved ones.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overbake: To maintain that gooey center, make sure not to overbake the cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as the edges set and the tops have a crinkle appearance.
Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
Use Different Cake Mix Flavors: While the yellow cake mix provides a buttery, rich flavor, you can try experimenting with other cake mix flavors such as chocolate or strawberry for a unique twist.
Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Coating: The powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature crinkle top and adds an extra sweetness to each bite.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. This allows you to make the cookies when you’re ready!

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Cake Mix: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich, chocolaty version of these cookies.
Add Nuts: Mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to add a bit of crunch and flavor.
Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile. Almond and lemon pair wonderfully with the cream cheese base.
Frosted Version: After the cookies have cooled, top them with a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of extra powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift to friends and family.
Serve as part of a dessert table at your next holiday gathering, or alongside some spiced cider for a cozy winter evening.
Pair with some peppermint bark, gingerbread men, or snickerdoodle cookies for an all-around festive dessert spread.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, these cookies would make a delightful treat to pass around after dinner.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough balls before baking them. Simply roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Baked Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate, strawberry, or even spice cake, for a fun twist on the original recipe.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or even small candy pieces to the dough for a more festive look.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you find them too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
What’s the ideal texture for these cookies?
The ideal texture is soft and gooey in the center with a slightly crinkled, sugary exterior.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the tops have a crinkled appearance. The centers should still be soft.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen. Simply store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Conclusion
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try treat this holiday season. With their rich cream cheese dough, buttery flavor, and gooey center, they’re sure to be a hit at your holiday

gatherings. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also bring a touch of festive fun to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, hosting a holiday party, or just treating your family, these cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet flavors of the season!