Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Festive Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Cookies with a magical christmas ooey gooey butter twist always create instant smiles at holiday gatherings.

Sweet memories flood back when this delectable treat emerges from the kitchen.

Southern bakers have perfected these delightful morsels through generations of careful crafting.

Powdered sugar dusts each soft, pillowy cookie like delicate winter snow.

Melting in your mouth, these cookies bring pure comfort and joy.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with buttery goodness for an irresistible texture.

Whip up a batch and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure delight.

Pro Tips for Soft and Sweet Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Chill the Dough Right: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour to help prevent spreading and create a more compact, flavorful cookie during baking.
  • Coat with Care: Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for a beautiful snow-like finish that adds sweetness and creates a delightful crackly exterior.
  • Control Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent sizing, which helps cookies bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked- they'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and maintain that signature gooey texture.
  • Switch Up Sprinkles: Experiment with different holiday sprinkle colors or themed mix-ins to match various seasonal celebrations or personal preferences.

Store and Reheat Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture. Alternatively, place in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore freshness.
  • Discard cookies if they develop an off smell, unusual texture, or signs of mold. Always use clean utensils when handling stored cookies.

Delicious Pairings for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Rich, cold whole milk creates the perfect complement to these sweet, buttery cookies, balancing their rich texture and enhancing the holiday sprinkle flavors.
  • A creamy, spiced chai latte with hints of cinnamon and cardamom offers a luxurious contrast to the cookie's sugary sweetness, elevating the festive experience.
  • A light, sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling provides a delightful counterpoint, its fruity notes dancing alongside the cookie's buttery richness and playful sprinkle crunch.
  • Decadent hot chocolate topped with marshmallows creates a nostalgic winter moment, its warm chocolatey embrace perfectly matching the cookie's soft, gooey texture.

Flavor Variations for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Delight: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use gluten-free sprinkles to create a celiac-friendly version of these festive cookies.
  • Vegan Winter Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil, cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative, and egg with flax egg to make a plant-based cookie option that maintains the gooey texture.
  • Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate sugar-free sprinkles for a diabetic-friendly cookie variation that still captures holiday cheer.
  • Keto-Friendly Festive Bite: Substitute cake mix with almond flour, use cream cheese sweetened with stevia, and roll cookies in powdered erythritol instead of traditional powdered sugar for a low-carb holiday treat.

Why Everyone Loves Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Quick and easy cookie recipe that takes minimal prep time, perfect for busy festive seasons.
  • Requires basic ingredients and simple mixing technique, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Loaded with colorful holiday sprinkles and powdered sugar coating, these cookies are visually appealing and guaranteed to impress guests at Christmas gatherings.
  • Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, allowing for convenient last-minute baking and reducing day-of kitchen stress.

What You’ll Need for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Cake Mix and Baking Essentials:
  • Cake Mix: The base for a soft, tender cookie with a classic sweet flavor. Yellow or white cake mix works best.
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and classic buttery taste. Room temperature ensures smooth mixing.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and creates a tangy, soft cookie texture. Full-fat version recommended.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie. Fresh large egg preferred.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the cookie flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Brings festive color and fun texture to the cookies. Choose Christmas-themed or winter color sprinkles.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, snowy coating and helps cookies look elegant. Sifted sugar works best for even coverage.
Baking Accessories:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures even baking. Silicone baking mat can be an alternative.
  • Baking Sheets: Provides even heat distribution for consistent cookie texture. Non-stick sheets recommended.

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Dough

  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cake mix
  • Holiday sprinkles

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat butter and cream cheese until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Crack in the egg and splash vanilla extract, mixing gently. Slowly fold in cake mix until everything blends smoothly. Sprinkle in holiday sprinkles and give a final gentle stir. Cover the bowl and let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Station

Fire up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Roll and Coat the Cookie Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into perfect little balls. Create a festive coating by rolling each ball first in extra sprinkles, then generously dust with powdered sugar until completely covered.

Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for set edges with soft, gooey centers. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Spread Holiday Cheer

Serve these delightful cookies immediately or package in a cheerful container for heartwarming gifts that will make everyone smile.

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Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet holiday magic unfolds with christmas ooey gooey butter cookies, melting hearts and spreading festive cheer. Pillowy rich bites drizzled with powdered sugar promise pure indulgence for winter celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Flavoring and Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (plus extra for rolling)

Coating:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip the butter and cream cheese until achieving a silky, aerated consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Incorporate the egg and vanilla essence, blending until harmoniously combined without overmixing.
  3. Gradually introduce the cake mix, folding gently to create a uniform dough that captures holiday cheer.
  4. Gently integrate holiday sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Seal the dough and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.
  6. Warm the oven to 350F, creating an ideal baking environment for these festive treats.
  7. Prepare baking surfaces by lining with parchment paper or applying a light grease to prevent sticking.
  8. Craft uniform dough spheres using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, maintaining consistent sizing.
  9. Roll each cookie ball first through additional sprinkles, then generously coat with powdered sugar for a delightful winter-like appearance.
  10. Arrange cookie spheres on prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately two inches apart to allow proper expansion.
  11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges while preserving a tender, gooey center characteristic of these delectable morsels.
  12. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, enabling gentle cooling and structural stabilization.
  13. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, completing the transformation from dough to irresistible holiday delicacy.
  14. Serve immediately or package in festive containers for delightful seasonal gifting.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a soft, tender texture during baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends easily.
  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like vanilla, funfetti, or red velvet to create unique holiday variations.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and add extra sprinkles for festive flair.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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