Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies stand out with their rich, creamy texture thanks to the combination of cream cheese and butter. The inclusion of yellow cake mix ensures a sweet, vanilla kick, while the vibrant red and green sprinkles bring a holiday vibe that’s hard to resist. Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but their bright appearance makes them a feast for the eyes as well. Easy to whip up, they’ve become a staple in my holiday baking lineup!

Recipe: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and creaming together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and velvety. Add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well-blended and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Cake Mix

Gradually incorporate the yellow cake mix into the buttery mixture. Stir lovingly until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. At this point, don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s perfectly fine! A quick chill in the fridge will help.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 4: Shape and Roll

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough, rolling each into a ball in your hands. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar for a delectable coating, and then top it off with a sprinkle of the festive red and green sprinkles to add that holiday touch!

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to firm up and those signature cracks to appear on the surface.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to enjoy these festive, gooey delights!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

For the ultimate gooey texture, serve these cookies at room temperature. They make a perfect treat for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply for enjoying around the tree!

Storage:

If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls for up to a month—bake them fresh whenever your cravings hit!

Helpful Notes

• Chill the Dough: This is a crucial step! Chilling ensures the dough is easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Extra Sprinkles: Want to elevate the festive spirit? Opt for Christmas-themed sprinkles or even mix in some edible glitter for that extra sparkle.
• Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t hold back on the powdered sugar! A generous coating before baking will give you the irresistibly perfect crackly finish!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Vanilla, lemon, or even a red velvet cake mix can make delightful variations while keeping that soft, gooey texture.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes indeed! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the dough balls for up to a month. Just bake when you’re ready!

Q3: Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Definitely! Toss in some chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for that extra indulgence—you won’t regret it!

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version, and you’ll still enjoy the same deliciousness.

Q5: How do I keep these cookies soft?
Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature helps retain their soft and gooey goodness for days.