If there’s one treat that becomes an instant star on the holiday dessert table, it has to be Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. With their soft, chewy centers, delicate powdered sugar coating, and a pop of festive color, these cookies make every bite feel like a cozy celebration. They’re delightfully buttery and rich, a cinch to put together, and will fill your kitchen with the most irresistible holiday aroma. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a little holiday magic yourself, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, color, or that unbeatable gooey texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few insider tips for cookie perfection:
- Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): This shortcut base delivers a sweet vanilla flavor and contributes to the pillowy texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and that iconic “butter” flavor—make sure it’s soft for easy blending!
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): The secret to maximum gooeyness and tang; let it come fully to room temp before starting.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind everything together while adding a little extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle hint of warmth.
- Red and green food coloring (optional): For that quintessential Christmas pop—divide your dough for merry multicolor cookies!
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for rolling): Creates the iconic crinkle finish and a sweet, snowy coating.
- Red, green, and white sprinkles (optional): Amp up the festive vibes and add a little crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies come off clean with no sticking and minimal cleanup. Trust me, this simple step makes a big difference—no prying perfectly gooey cookies from the pan!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined. This duo is what makes Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies irresistibly rich and tender at the center.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended. This ensures each cookie has a balanced flavor and the perfect chewy structure.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the vanilla cake mix to your wet ingredients, mixing patiently until you have a thick, sticky dough. It will look a bit stiff—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for these chewy, soft cookies.
Step 5: Color the Dough (Optional)
If you want vibrant, holiday-hued cookies, divide the dough into two or three batches. Tint each with a few drops of red and green food coloring, and mix until the colors are festive and bright! Remember, a little dye goes a long way for that iconic Christmas look.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough much easier to handle when rolling and helps keep the cookies thick and pillowy as they bake.
Step 7: Shape, Roll, and Decorate
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and generously coat each in powdered sugar. For a festive flourish, top with red, green, or white sprinkles before baking. Make sure to space your cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for a little spread.
Step 8: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft—the hallmark of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. They might look a touch underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A dusting of extra powdered sugar gives these cookies a snowy finish, while an extra handful of festive sprinkles adds sparkle and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate makes them look like they came straight from a bakery window.
Side Dishes
The soft richness of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of cocoa, creamy eggnog, or freshly brewed coffee. Serve them alongside a platter of other holiday favorites like fudge, peppermint bark, or spiced nuts for a truly crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a festive tin lined with tissue paper for a gorgeous edible gift, or stack them tall on a Christmas platter surrounded by candy canes and holly leaves. Another crowd-pleaser: pack a few in cellophane bags with ribbons for delightful party favors, or create a cozy cookie decorating bar for little hands to add their own sprinkle magic before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for holiday gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to plan even further ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating required for soft, gooey-cookie bliss.
Reheating
If your cookies need a little pep after storing, pop them in the microwave for five to ten seconds. They’ll emerge with that classic gooey center, just like fresh out of the oven. Be careful not to overdo it—a few seconds is all it takes!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While vanilla keeps things classic and lets the buttery flavor shine, you can experiment with lemon, spice, or even chocolate cake mix for a new twist on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Each variety brings a fun, unique personality to these treats.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough isn’t just a suggestion—it really helps make the dough easier to handle and keeps the cookies from spreading too thin. Skipping this step may give you flatter, less pillowy cookies, so give your dough a quick chill for best results.
Can I make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The process and proportions remain exactly the same, and you’ll have gooey, gluten-free festive cookies in no time.
What’s the best way to get vibrant colors in the dough?
Gel food coloring provides the boldest, most beautiful reds and greens without making the dough too wet. Start with a small amount, and add more as needed until you hit your desired shade. Mix thoroughly for even color or leave it a little marbled for a whimsical effect.
Why are my cookies not as gooey as I expected?
If your cookies come out more cakey than gooey, double-check your measurements (especially the cake mix), avoid overbaking, and make sure you’re not substituting lower-fat dairy. Pull the cookies out as soon as the edges are set, even if the centers look slightly underdone—they’ll continue to set as they cool!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a platter of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies with family and friends. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for busy holiday bakers, yet special enough to become a cherished tradition. Give them a try—you might just find a new festive favorite to enjoy for many seasons to come!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Made with a vanilla cake mix base, these soft and chewy cookies are a delightful holiday treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red, green, and white sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the cake mix: Slowly mix in the cake mix until a thick dough forms. Optionally, divide and tint the dough with food coloring. Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Form the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheets, add sprinkles if desired.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. Cool on sheets briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra holiday flair, use festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
- These cookies stay soft and chewy for days when stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
