Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Festive & Fun – Perfect for holiday gatherings with their bright colors and soft texture.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness – The combination of butter and cream cheese makes them incredibly soft and rich.
- Great for Gifting – A delightful homemade treat to share with friends and family.
- Versatile – Easily customizable with different colors and flavors for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Yellow cake mix
- Powdered sugar
- Holiday sprinkles (red and green)
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the cake mix, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Around 50 minutes
Variations
- Different Colors – Use blue and white sprinkles for a winter wonderland theme or pastel colors for Easter.
- Chocolate Twist – Add mini chocolate chips for extra decadence.
- Citrus Zest – Mix in a little lemon or orange zest for a refreshing flavor.
- Peppermint Flavor – Substitute vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cake mix to make it suitable for dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for maximum freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you like them warm, microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
2. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake mix for a unique twist.
4. Do I have to use powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature crinkly look, but you can skip it if you prefer.
5. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
7. What if my cookies turn out too flat?
Make sure to chill the dough and avoid overmixing to prevent excessive spreading.
8. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to the texture, but you can try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone as a substitute.
9. Are these cookies overly sweet?
They are sweet but balanced with the richness of butter and cream cheese. If you prefer less sweetness, use a less sugary cake mix.
10. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries make great additions for added texture.
Conclusion
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday treat—soft, chewy, and full of festive cheer. They’re easy to make and customizable for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookies will bring warmth and joy to your holiday season. Try them out and share the magic of homemade goodness!
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and decadently rich with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with cream cheese, butter, and cake mix, they're effortless to whip up and perfect for the holidays. The festive red and green sprinkles add a cheerful touch, making them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the cake mix, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Fold in holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
