Name: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix; 1 cup powdered sugar; Red and green sprinkles (for decorating)

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Oh, my goodness! When I think about Christmas, I can’t help but get excited about baking, and my absolute favorite has to be these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. I still remember the first time I made them – it was a chilly December afternoon, and the house filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and buttery goodness. There’s just something magical about these cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and practically melt in your mouth. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in a festive sprinkle of joy!

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in with hot cocoa. Trust me, once you see those bright red and green sprinkles on top, you’ll feel the holiday spirit bursting out! So let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will undoubtedly become a cherished tradition in your home.

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies - detail 1

Why You’ll Love Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Oh, where do I begin? These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are an absolute game-changer during the holiday season. First of all, their texture is to die for – they’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of gooey. Every bite feels like a little piece of heaven, especially when paired with a warm cup of tea or cocoa. I remember the first time I brought these to a holiday party; everyone was raving about them, and I couldn’t help but feel like a superstar in the kitchen!

Not to mention, they’re so festive with those vibrant red and green sprinkles on top! They add that perfect touch of holiday cheer. Every time I bake these cookies, it brings back memories of my family gathered around the kitchen, laughter filling the air. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday traditions, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and for these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple items. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s really soft! This helps create that dreamy texture.
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Just like the butter, you want it nice and creamy for a smooth batter.
1 large egg: This adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Trust me, this is what makes your cookies smell heavenly.
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix: This is the secret ingredient that gives the cookies their ooey gooey texture!
1 cup powdered sugar: For that sweet dusting on top that makes everything feel festive.
Red and green sprinkles: Don’t skimp on these! They add the perfect holiday flair!

And there you have it! Simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go – it’ll make the whole baking experience even more enjoyable!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part – making these delicious cookies! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and I’ll guide you through every step. Ready? Let’s go!

Prepping the Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and cream cheese. You want to mix them until they’re nice and smooth – trust me, this is key for that ooey gooey texture! Once they’re blended, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. It should look creamy and dreamy!

Now, here comes the magic part – gradually add the yellow cake mix to your creamy mixture. Don’t dump it all in at once; just stir it in bit by bit until it’s fully incorporated. The dough might seem a bit sticky, but that’s exactly what we want! It’s going to bake up perfectly chewy.

Chilling the Dough

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to chill! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. I know, it’s a little bit of a wait, but chilling the dough is super important. It firms it up, making it easier to scoop and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking. Plus, the flavors get a chance to meld together, which is always a win!

Baking the Cookies

After your dough has chilled, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Now, using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the sheet, leaving a little space in between each one – they’ll spread out a bit while baking. Once they’re all on the sheet, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of each cookie. It adds a lovely sweetness and a festive touch!

Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake these beauties for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft and gooey. Don’t worry if they look a little underbaked – they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies - detail 2

Decorating the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is where the decorating comes in! Once cooled, grab those vibrant red and green sprinkles and add them on top. Be generous! You want these cookies to scream festive cheer. And there you have it – your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are ready to be devoured!

Variations

Now, let’s talk about some fun ways to switch things up with your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies! The great thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is. For starters, you can try using different types of sprinkles. How about some silver and blue for a winter wonderland vibe? Or maybe some gold for a touch of elegance? The possibilities are endless!

If you’re a chocolate lover like me, consider adding some chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of flavor. You can also play with flavor extracts; almond extract can give a lovely twist, or even try peppermint extract for a festive minty kick! Trust me, these small changes can make your cookies feel brand new each time you bake them. Get creative and have fun with it!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies is all about spreading that festive cheer! I love to pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk – it’s just heavenly! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply for enjoying by the fireplace with loved ones. Trust me, they’ll be the star of any dessert table!

Now, let’s talk about storage. To keep your cookies fresh and gooey, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week (if they last that long!). If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Yum!

Helpful Notes

Before you dive into making these delightful cookies, here are a few extra tips to help you out! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese. They’ll still turn out super yummy! Also, if you need a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix; it works like a charm!

Feeling adventurous? You can add in some chopped nuts or a handful of dried fruit for an extra twist. Just keep in mind that these additions can change the texture slightly, so play around until you find your favorite combo! And remember, while these cookies are delicious, they are also best enjoyed in moderation, especially during the holiday season when everything is so rich and festive. Enjoy the baking process and the sweet rewards that come with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I achieve the perfect texture for my cookies?
To get that ooey gooey texture, make sure both your butter and cream cheese are really soft before mixing. Chilling the dough is also key; it helps the cookies maintain their shape and keeps them from spreading too much while baking.

2. What if my dough seems too sticky?
Don’t worry! The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s just part of the magic. If it’s too sticky to work with, you can chill it a bit longer to make it easier to scoop.

3. Can I substitute the yellow cake mix?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try using different flavored cake mixes, like chocolate or red velvet, for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.

4. How should I store my cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

5. What’s the best way to reheat frozen cookies?
To enjoy your frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for a while or pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds. This will bring back that warm, gooey goodness!

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are truly a must-try during the holiday season! With their soft, chewy texture and delightful festive sprinkles, they not only fill your home with the warmest scents but also bring everyone together in the spirit of joy and celebration. I can’t tell you how many wonderful memories I’ve created while baking and sharing these cookies with friends and family.

As you dive into making your batch, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Did you add a twist or a special ingredient? How did your loved ones react? Baking is all about sharing, so feel free to share your modifications and stories. I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your home as they do to mine. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with sweetness!