Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies – Do you ever bake something and feel like it’s more than just a cookie? That’s how I feel about these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. They’re not just dessert—they’re like little bites of holiday happiness.
The first time I made them, it was purely by accident. I was supposed to bring cookies to a holiday party, but of course, I waited until the last minute to start baking (classic me). All I had was a box of white cake mix, some butter, and a random stash of sprinkles I’d bought on a whim. I crossed my fingers, threw everything together, and hoped for the best.
When I pulled them out of the oven, they looked…okay. But then I took a bite. And wow. Soft, chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness—and the sprinkles? They made it feel so festive. It was like Christmas cheer in cookie form.
Now, they’ve become a holiday tradition in my house. We bake them every year, usually with Christmas music playing and flour everywhere. They’re fun, easy, and bring so much joy to anyone who tastes them. Trust me, you need these cookies in your life this holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe?
- Soft and gooey: The cream cheese makes these cookies ridiculously soft and melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Festive fun: Sprinkles instantly make everything feel more cheerful, don’t you think?
- Quick to make: No complicated steps or fancy ingredients. These are perfect for those “I need cookies NOW” moments.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or a cozy night in, these cookies never fail to impress.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies plays its part perfectly. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Unsalted butter: Adds that rich, buttery flavor we all love. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Cream cheese: The secret weapon! This is what makes the cookies so soft and gooey.
- White cake mix: A shortcut that keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
- Sprinkles: Use red and green for Christmas, or mix it up for other holidays. They’re the pop of color that makes these cookies so festive.
- Powdered sugar: Coating the cookies gives them that snowy, holiday-perfect look.
Pro Tip: If you want to switch things up, try using flavored extracts like peppermint or vanilla for a fun twist!
How To Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
Making these cookies is so simple, even if you’re juggling a million other holiday tasks. Here’s how:
- Cream the butter and cream cheese.
In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. This step is key for creating that soft, gooey texture we’re aiming for. - Add the egg and extracts.
Mix in the egg, along with the almond and orange extracts (if you’re using them). These add a subtle, festive flavor without overpowering the cookies. - Incorporate the cake mix.
Gradually add the white cake mix, stirring until everything is combined. The dough will be thick and sticky—that’s totally normal. - Fold in sprinkles.
Gently mix in half the sprinkles. This part is fun—make sure every bite of dough has a little pop of color! - Chill the dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to 24 hours). Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. - Prep for baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. - Roll and coat.
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each ball in the remaining sprinkles first, then coat generously in powdered sugar. The double layer makes them look so festive. - Bake.
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. - Cool and enjoy.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Or, if you’re like me, eat one warm because you can’t wait.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to five days. They’re perfect for snacking on throughout the week!
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving to soften.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Roll them in powdered sugar and sprinkles just before baking—no need to thaw!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on these cookies? Here are some fun ideas:
- Flavor swaps: Use vanilla or peppermint extract instead of almond or orange for a different twist.
- Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair.
- Different themes: Change the sprinkles for other occasions—pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or red and blue for the Fourth of July.
What to Serve with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
These cookies are pretty perfect on their own, but pairing them with the right drink makes them even better:
- Hot cocoa: Dunking is encouraged!
- Eggnog: The creamy, spiced flavor complements these cookies beautifully.
- Milk: Because some things are classics for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I skip chilling the dough?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and makes the dough easier to handle.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temp before serving.
Do I have to use sprinkles?
Nope, but they add that extra festive touch. If you’re not a sprinkles fan, you can skip them and just roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
So, what do you think? Ready to whip up a batch of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies? I’d love to hear how they turn out—or what fun twists you add to make them your own!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- ½ teaspoon orange extract optional
- 1 package white cake mix
- ½ cup sprinkles divided
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the base:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, cream the ingredients together until smooth and fully incorporated.
Incorporate the wet ingredients:
- Add the egg, followed by the almond and orange extracts (if using). Continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly blended into a uniform mixture.
Combine with the dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the white cake mix to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Add the sprinkles:
- Gently fold in ¼ cup of the sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling will make the dough easier to handle and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Preheat the oven:
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
Prepare the coatings:
- Place the powdered sugar in one small bowl and the remaining ¼ cup of sprinkles in another. These will be used for rolling the cookie dough balls.
Form the cookies:
- Using a one-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Coat each ball lightly with sprinkles, then generously roll it in powdered sugar until fully covered.
Bake:
- Arrange the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft.
Cool the cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
