Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the sparkling stars of any holiday cookie platter—soft, pillowy, and dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar that gives way to a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth center. These cookies blend the festive colors of the season with simple, nostalgic flavors, making them as delightful to bake as they are to devour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or looking for an easy but show-stopping treat, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies will become your new go-to for sweet holiday magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how delightfully simple the ingredient list is—each component is essential to creating that signature sweetness and irresistible soft texture. From the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the festive pop of sprinkles, every ingredient has a starring role in these cookies.
- Yellow cake mix: The key shortcut ingredient, providing structure, sweetness, and an irresistible moist crumb in every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the cookies their classic gooey texture and a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and a tender consistency—make sure it’s nice and soft for the fluffiest batter.
- Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together while giving a slightly chewy texture to complement the gooeyness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, making these cookies taste like pure holiday joy.
- Almond extract (optional): For a hint of festive, nutty aroma—just a little bit takes these cookies up a notch.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Gives that classic, snow-dusted look and a lightly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth outer layer.
- Red and green sprinkles (optional): Adds festive color and crunch—perfect for making your cookies extra merry and bright!
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This extra step makes sure your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies won’t stick and guarantees easy cleanup—plus, parchment helps bake the cookies evenly for that perfect soft center.
Step 2: Cream Together the Good Stuff
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is super smooth, creamy, and absolutely luscious. Don’t rush this step! The creaminess here is the secret to those ooey, gooey centers you’re craving.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla and almond extracts (if you’re opting for the extra holiday flair). Mix until everything is fully combined and the mixture smells irresistible—you’re building delicious layers of flavor here.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the dry yellow cake mix to your wet ingredients. Beat on low speed just until a thick, sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little gooey—this is exactly what you want for that iconic texture in Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies.
Step 5: Form and Coat the Dough Balls
Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls with your hands—don’t be shy, a little stickiness is normal! Next, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar so they’re coated like tiny snowballs. This sugary layer will create the signature crinkled look as the cookies bake.
Step 6: Add Festive Sprinkles & Bake
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top for a joyful touch. Bake for 10–12 minutes—you’re looking for set edges but a soft, gooey center. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Try a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a magical, snow-like effect. You could also add a swirl of festive-colored icing or, for serious holiday sparkle, a pinch of edible glitter on each cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies are the perfect match for a cozy mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea. For a holiday dessert platter, pair them with fresh fruit, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or creamy peppermint bark—they’ll balance out the richness and give a lovely mix of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies the star of your holiday table by stacking them on a gorgeous tiered cookie stand or arranging them in a wreath shape surrounded by sprigs of holly. For gifting, tuck them into cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, or nestle them in a festive cookie tin layered with parchment paper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Tuck a slice of bread in the container to help retain their moisture and prevent them from drying out, especially if your kitchen is toasty from all the holiday baking!
Freezing
Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, which means you can enjoy these festive treats anytime the craving hits—or get a head start on your holiday prep!
Reheating
Bring frozen cookies to room temperature or zap them in the microwave for just 8–10 seconds to refresh that gooey texture. You can also pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes if you want to restore that just-baked warmth—perfect for serving to surprise holiday guests.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives that classic “butter cake” flavor, you can try white, vanilla, or even confetti cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that different cake mixes might slightly change the texture or sweetness.
Do I have to include almond extract?
Nope, it’s optional! Almond extract adds a subtle nutty note and festive boost, but if you (or anyone you’re baking for) doesn’t love the flavor or have it on hand, feel free to skip it. Your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies will still be delicious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. The trick is to pick a mix you already know and love, so you’re sure to get tasty results with that same ooey-gooey magic.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Too much spreading often means the dough got a bit too warm. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar and baking, and they’ll keep their lovely thick, puffy shape.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?
For a stunning powder-snow effect that lasts, make sure to generously coat each dough ball with plenty of powdered sugar just before baking, and don’t skimp! If you want even more coverage, give the cooled cookies a quick dusting or two before serving.
Final Thoughts
With every batch of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies you make, you’re creating little bites of holiday happiness that will disappear before you know it. Have fun experimenting with flavors, toppings, and shapes—most importantly, share them with loved ones and enjoy every pillowy, buttery, sugar-dusted bite!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery goodness, making them the perfect treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Coating and Decoration:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red and green sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
- Add Cake Mix: Gradually add the dry cake mix, beating on low until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll heaping tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Add sprinkles if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flair, add food coloring to the dough or sprinkle with edible glitter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
