There’s something utterly magical about the first bite of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies: a soft, pillowy exterior dusted with sparkling sugar gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth center that’s impossibly rich, buttery, and decadent. This festive treat is irresistibly tender thanks to cream cheese and butter, with a nostalgic cake mix sweetness and a cheerful holiday look. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, filling a tin for gifting, or just craving an incredible cookie with your mug of cocoa, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser of the season — and yes, they taste even better than they look!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies batch starts with basic, trustworthy ingredients that work together to give you big holiday flavors and that signature, gooey texture. Each one really plays its part, so let’s take a closer look at why you need each of them for this celebration-ready cookie.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the secret to soft, tangy cookies that melt in your mouth and stay gooey long after baking.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds incredible richness and helps amplify that “butter” flavor the cookies are named for.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as the binder for the dough and gives structure so your cookies puff up just right.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and deepens all those comforting flavors.
- White Cake Mix (15.25 oz box): This shortcut ingredient brings just the right amount of sweetness and gives these cookies that signature soft, cakey bite.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Coating the dough in powdered sugar creates the classic crinkle look and adds extra sweetness in every bite.
- Red and Green Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles (optional): For extra holiday cheer, sprinkle these over each cookie and watch them twinkle!
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together the Dairy
Start by beating your softened cream cheese and butter together in a large mixing bowl. You want this mixture perfectly smooth with no lumps — think of it as the luscious backbone of your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Take your time; once these are completely blended, you’re guaranteed a dreamy cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Burst in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract, then mix until everything is completely combined. This step guarantees the dough holds together and carries that lovely vanilla aroma through every bite.
Step 3: Mix in the Cake Mix
Pour in the white cake mix a little at a time and continue beating at low speed. The dough will become sticky and fairly thick — don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for that perfectly soft, ooey gooey result.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your cookie dough for at least one hour. This makes it easier to shape the dough into balls and helps the cookies bake up nice and thick instead of spreading too much.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-size mounds of dough, roll into balls, then coat generously in powdered sugar for the signature snowy finish. For next-level festive vibes, skip or add another roll in red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles if you like.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your coated dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges look set but the tops retain a crinkled look. That slightly underbaked center is the key to their famous gooeyness!
Step 7: Cool on the Rack
Let the cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for five minutes to continue setting before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll stay extra soft and satisfyingly gooey, just as the best Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies should.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Give your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies their holiday glow by rolling them in plenty of powdered sugar and, for a playful upgrade, finishing with a dusting of red and green sanding sugar or seasonal sprinkles. A couple of edible glitter stars added just before serving are extra fun for Christmas parties!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, steaming coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a treat that hits every warm-and-cozy holiday note. They also look gorgeous on a cookie platter with other holiday classics like gingerbread or peppermint bark.
Creative Ways to Present
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies shine when piled high in a festive cookie tin tied with a ribbon — the perfect edible gift! Or, stack them in cellophane bags with a little tag. At parties, you can serve mini versions on a holiday dessert board surrounded by candy canes and chocolate-dipped pretzels for an irresistible spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly soft and moist for up to five days, making them great for baking ahead before the big day or sharing throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze both the baked cookies and unbaked dough balls! Freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment paper, or freeze the dough balls (before rolling in sugar). When ready to bake, let dough thaw slightly, roll in sugars, and bake as directed for fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, pop cookies in a warm oven (300°F) for 2-3 minutes, or give them a few seconds in the microwave. They’ll come out warm, soft, and every bit as gooey as a fresh batch!
FAQs
Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of white?
Absolutely! A yellow cake mix will give you a slightly richer flavor and deeper color, but the cookies will still turn out perfectly soft and gooey.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for set edges and tops with a crackled appearance, but don’t wait for golden brown — these are meant to stay pale and soft. The centers should look just slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven.
Can I add food coloring directly to the dough?
Yes! For especially festive Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, divide the dough and tint each portion red or green before chilling and rolling. It’s a fun way to add a pop of holiday cheer to your cookie plate.
Why does my dough seem sticky?
This dough is meant to be sticky — that’s what creates those gooey centers. Chilling is important! If it’s still too sticky to work with, chill a little longer or dust your hands with powdered sugar while shaping the dough balls.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free white cake mix in place of the regular one. The cookies may spread just a bit more, but they’ll still taste amazing and keep their gooey charm.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, show-stopping cookie with crowd-pleasing holiday flair, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are just what your baking list needs. Their festive colors, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and creamy, buttery flavor are impossible to resist. I hope you’ll try them this season and make them a cherished part of your holiday tradition, too!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive twist on a classic recipe, featuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of holiday colors. Perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Cake Mix: Gradually add the cake mix and beat until a soft dough forms. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, then in sanding sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake: Place cookie balls on baking sheet, bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, use red and green sprinkles or food coloring for colored batches.
- These cookies stay soft for days, perfect for holiday gifting.
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