Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies: A Holiday Delight
When it comes to holiday baking, few recipes rival the indulgence of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine the rich creaminess of butter and cream cheese with the festive charm of holiday sprinkles. Whether you’re preparing treats for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or Santa himself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring cheer.
For those exploring festive desserts, consider pairing these cookies with the Easy Apple Cheesecake Tacos for a sweet holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies stand out for their:
- Simplicity: Made with minimal ingredients, including cake mix, these cookies are perfect for quick holiday baking.
- Texture: The addition of cream cheese ensures a soft, gooey consistency that’s hard to resist.
- Versatility: Change the sprinkles and flavors to suit any festive occasion.
For an equally indulgent option, try this Kentucky Butter Cake, which shares a similar buttery richness.
Ingredients for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these holiday treats:
- Cake Mix: Yellow cake mix works best for a traditional flavor, but chocolate or red velvet are great for a twist.
- Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter for optimal texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds the signature gooey texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and enhances softness.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies and creating a snowy appearance.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles add a festive touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the cake mix, stirring until fully combined.
2. Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate the dough for 30–60 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll and prevents spreading during baking.
3. Shape and Coat
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball into holiday sprinkles, then roll in powdered sugar until completely coated.
4. Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth blending.
- Chilling the Dough: This step is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape while baking.
- Generous Coating: Fully roll the dough in powdered sugar for the best flavor and presentation.
For another holiday baking tip, explore this Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe, which shares the same cream cheese magic.
Creative Variations
1. Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cookies
- Use chocolate cake mix for a rich, fudgy twist.
2. Peppermint Butter Cookies
- Add peppermint extract to the dough and top with crushed candy canes.
3. Red Velvet Cookies
- Substitute with red velvet cake mix and drizzle with white chocolate.
4. Nutty Gooey Butter Cookies
- Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
For more festive cookie ideas, try this recipe for Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie Bites.
FAQs About Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight. Wrap it tightly to prevent drying.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I substitute oil for butter?
Butter is key to the flavor and texture of these cookies. Oil is not recommended.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Internal Linking Opportunities
To enhance your holiday baking, explore these related recipes:
- Easy Apple Cheesecake Tacos for a fruity dessert pairing.
- Kentucky Butter Cake for a moist, buttery cake alternative.
- Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze for another cream cheese-inspired holiday treat.
Conclusion
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are an easy, festive treat that combines the buttery richness of traditional desserts with a holiday twist. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them with family, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Try them today, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations for a personalized touch!
