These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, with a soft, chewy texture and a melt-in-your-mouth flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese and yellow cake mix, these cookies come together in just a few minutes, making them perfect for busy holiday baking sessions. The buttery sweetness and delicate vanilla flavor make them an irresistible choice for any festive gathering.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just for family and friends, these gooey butter cookies are sure to delight. The powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch, making them look as good as they taste. Plus, they require only a handful of ingredients, making them a budget-friendly option for Christmas baking. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without stress in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a crowd-pleaser that are guaranteed to impress. The soft and chewy texture combined with the rich flavor from cream cheese and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The powdered sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness, and the cookies bake up to a beautiful golden color, perfect for the holiday season. This quick and simple recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. Plus, they store well and can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie collection.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Cream cheese
Egg
Vanilla extract
Yellow cake mix
Powdered sugar

Variations

While the original recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies to suit your taste:

Add chocolate chips: Stir in a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra indulgent treat.
Use different cake mixes: For a fun twist, try using different flavored cake mixes, such as white cake or red velvet, to create unique versions of these cookies.
Add festive sprinkles: After rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, sprinkle some festive holiday sprinkles on top to add a colorful touch.
Try citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Make them gluten-free: Swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to create a gluten-free version of these delightful cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

Step 2: Cream the butter and cream cheese

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Mix in the cake mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the bowl, stirring until the dough is fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Roll the dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.

Step 6: Bake the cookies

Place the coated dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool the cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes. Transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth dough.
Don’t overbake: These cookies should remain soft and gooey, so be careful not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Roll in extra powdered sugar: For an extra thick and sweet coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time after they have cooled slightly.
Keep the dough chilled: If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Use a cookie scoop: For even-sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough before rolling them into balls.

How to Serve

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with family during the Christmas season. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, making them an excellent choice for your holiday gatherings. For a festive touch, plate the cookies with some holiday-themed decorations, or serve them on a decorated cookie tray with other Christmas treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the cookies warm, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes, such as chocolate, red velvet, or white cake, to create new flavors of these butter cookies.

2. How long should I bake the cookies?

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should remain soft and gooey.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking the cookies.

4. How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.

5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.

7. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.

8. Why are they called “ooey gooey”?

The cream cheese and butter in the dough create a soft, gooey texture in the center of the cookie, which is why they are called “ooey gooey.”

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your cookie dough is chilled before rolling into balls. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

10. Can I use light cream cheese for this recipe?

You can use light cream cheese, but the cookies may not be as rich and gooey as they would be with full-fat cream cheese.

Conclusion

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and sweet flavors that make them an irresistible treat during the holiday season. Their soft, chewy texture and festive appearance will make them the star of any holiday cookie tray. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, they are easy to make and sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a fun treat, these cookies will not disappoint.