Whip up these Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies! Soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday cheer, they’re the perfect sweet treat for your festive celebrations.

Introduction

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. These soft, chewy cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them irresistible.

What makes these cookies perfect for Christmas? Their festive colors! By adding holiday sprinkles or food coloring to the dough, they instantly bring holiday cheer to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or a cozy family evening, these cookies are a simple yet decadent choice.

With only a few ingredients and easy steps, this recipe will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• Red and green food coloring or holiday sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until combined.
3. Gradually add the cake mix, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Add Festive Touches:

1. If using food coloring, divide the dough into two portions and add a few drops of red to one and green to the other. Mix until evenly colored.
2. Alternatively, gently fold in holiday sprinkles.

3. Chill the Dough:

1. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.

4. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Roll the Cookies:

1. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

6. Bake the Cookies:

1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a crinkled appearance.

7. Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Prepare

1. Chill the Dough: This step ensures the dough is easy to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
2. Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
3. Customize the Colors: Use other food coloring combinations or sprinkles for different celebrations.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings

Makes about 24 cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! White, red velvet, or chocolate cake mix can add fun twists to the recipe.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is essential to make the dough easier to handle and to achieve the perfect cookie texture.

3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

5. Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
The powdered sugar is key to achieving the signature crinkly look, but you can omit it for a less sweet version.

Conclusion

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking lineup. With their rich, buttery flavor and festive flair, they’re guaranteed to spread joy and cheer.

These cookies are easy to make, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Serve them with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate Christmas indulgence. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear as fast as they’re made!