Name: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix; Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday treat that’s next-level chewy, merry, and as easy as it is delicious, look no further than Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies are a winner with family and friends alike: soft centers, vibrant festive sprinkles, and that signature buttery flavor all wrapped up in a magical little bite. They come together in a flash and are guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen, making them a must-bake for your Christmas cookie tray every year.

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, familiar ingredients to whip up these magical Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Each one plays a starring role in their irresistible texture and classic holiday flavor. Don’t skip the sprinkles — they’re the secret to that festive fanfare!

Cream Cheese (1 8oz package, softened): Gives these cookies their signature ooey gooey texture and adds a luscious richness.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds unbeatable buttery flavor and helps the cookies stay soft.
Egg (1 large): Binds the dough and provides structure for that perfect bite.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and deepens the flavor essence.
Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For an added nutty, bakery-style aroma—totally optional, but highly recommended.
White Cake Mix (1 15.25 oz box): The shortcut for sweet, pillowy dough with foolproof results.
Red and Green Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles: Brings that pop of Christmas color and playful crunch.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup for rolling): Coats each cookie in a snowy, festive layer that adds even more sweetness.

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Begin by beating together your softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture looks silky smooth and slightly fluffy. This step creates the base for your ultra-gooey, rich cookies and ensures every bite is luxurious. Don’t rush — proper creaming means perfectly textured cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling it, toss in the almond extract too. Beat until everything is well blended. The egg provides structure, while the extracts layer in those delicious, nostalgic holiday aromas.

Step 3: Incorporate Cake Mix

Now, grab your white cake mix and slowly add it to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until you end up with a thick, sticky dough. Don’t worry if it seems too soft — chilling will do the heavy lifting.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and let it rest in the fridge for at least one hour. This chill time is crucial! It firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies bake up thick and chewy rather than spreading into puddles.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of chilled dough and roll them in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle effect. To really dress up your cookies, gently press the tops into your red and green sanding sugar or Christmas sprinkles. The result: absolutely irresistible, picture-perfect cookies!

Step 6: Bake

Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room to spread. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This is the secret to keeping them gooey!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack. The center will stay soft and decadent, while the outside forms the perfect crust. Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are best enjoyed once cool — if you can resist sneaking one warm!

How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, serve these cookies with an extra dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. Adding a few more sprinkles before serving makes them sparkle and lets that holiday spirit shine.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a creamy eggnog latte. Or serve alongside a tray of fresh fruit and other holiday cookies for a cheerful dessert spread everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in a festive tin lined with tissue, or box them up with a bow for adorable homemade gifts. Stack them high on a vintage cake stand or scatter them across a holiday table for an irresistible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Their texture stays wonderfully soft and gooey — honestly, they may taste even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls. Flash-freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time for perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies anytime.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, microwave cookies for 10 seconds. The centers become melty and gooey again, making them feel freshly made for family or surprise guests.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While classic white cake mix gives that snow-white interior, you can experiment with butter, yellow, or even funfetti cake mixes for a different twist on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling is essential. It firms up the sticky dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking for that signature gooey center.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Sanding sugar and jimmies (the stick-shaped sprinkles) hold their color and crunch well in the oven. Feel free to mix red, green, and white varieties for maximum Christmas cheer.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! The dough can be made one to two days in advance and stored in the fridge — chilled dough bakes up even thicker and richer, so it’s perfect for planning ahead.

Are Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe as written uses regular cake mix, so it’s not gluten-free, but you can substitute your favorite gluten-free white cake mix for just-as-delicious results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bake and share these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies with those you love — they truly capture the sweet spirit of the holidays in every bite. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or baking with kids, these cookies are sure to become a cherished family tradition year after year!

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. With a soft, gooey center and a dusting of colorful sugar, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and mix until well combined.
Add Cake Mix: Gradually add the cake mix and beat until a thick, sticky dough forms. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form and Bake: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, then gently press the tops into red or green sanding sugar or sprinkles. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look soft.
Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.