Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, cream cheese, and vanilla with the fun and festive touch of sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray. Quick and easy to make, these cookies bring a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (18.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the yellow cake mix until the dough is smooth and fully blended.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until coated.
6. Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass.
7. If desired, decorate with festive sprinkles.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft and gooey in the center.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

• Flavor Options: Swap the yellow cake mix for other cake flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, or spice cake for a different twist.
• Add-ins: Mix in holiday-themed ingredients like mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.
• Sugar Coating: Instead of powdered sugar, roll the dough balls in colored sugar for a more festive look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place cookies in a microwave-safe container and heat for about 10-15 seconds. They will soften and be as gooey as when they were first baked.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix for these cookies? Yes, you can experiment with other cake mixes, such as chocolate or red velvet, to create a unique flavor.
2. Why are my cookies not gooey? Ensure you are not overbaking them. Cookies should be soft and slightly undercooked in the center to achieve a gooey texture.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
4. Do I have to use sprinkles? Sprinkles are optional. You can skip them or use another decoration like colored sugar or holiday-themed shapes.
5. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese? The cream cheese helps create the soft, gooey texture, but you could substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.
6. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze for up to 3 months.
7. How do I make the cookies more festive? Add colorful sprinkles, holiday-themed candies, or a drizzle of white chocolate to give them a more festive appearance.
8. What can I use instead of powdered sugar? You can use granulated sugar as an alternative, but powdered sugar gives a softer, more delicate finish.
9. Why are my cookies spreading too much? If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too thin. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if this happens.
10. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cookies. Just be sure to adjust your baking sheets accordingly and watch the baking time.

Conclusion

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try holiday treat that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. With a soft, gooey texture and festive look, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or simply enjoying with loved ones. Whether you make them exactly as the recipe suggests or try out different variations, they’re sure to be a hit this holiday season. Enjoy!

Print