Christmas is the season for spreading love, joy, and sweetness, and what better way to do it than with delicious homemade cookies? Meet the ultimate festive treat—Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. These delightful cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly buttery, with a holiday twist that makes them perfect for the season. They’re a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties, a fantastic addition to cookie platters, and a sweet treat to enjoy by the fireplace with loved ones. Get ready to bring magic to your kitchen with this simple yet show-stopping recipe!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Festive Touch:

• ½ cup red and green sprinkles (optional, for a holiday flair)
• Edible glitter or sugar dust, for extra sparkle (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
   • Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
   • Gradually add the cake mix, salt, and baking powder. Mix until the dough is smooth and all ingredients are combined.
2. Chill the Dough
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling is essential to make the dough easier to work with and to prevent spreading during baking.
3. Preheat and Prep
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
   • Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
4. Form the Cookies
   • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
   • Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. For a festive touch, roll them lightly in sprinkles or edible glitter as well.
5. Bake
   • Arrange the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set on the edges but still soft in the center. Do not overbake—they should remain gooey inside.
6. Cool
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Serve these cookies on a decorative holiday platter for maximum visual impact.
• Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or eggnog for a cozy winter treat.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend their freshness by refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Variations

1. Peppermint Bliss:
   • Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking.
2. Chocolate Explosion:
   • Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix and add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich, chocolaty twist.
3. Cranberry-Orange:
   • Fold ½ cup of dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the dough for a zesty holiday flavor.
4. Nutty Delight:
   • Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture.
5. Gingerbread Fusion:
   • Mix 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon into the dough for a festive gingerbread flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Their soft, buttery texture and festive appearance make them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this recipe is both versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or Santa Claus himself, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer with every bite.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! You can substitute a homemade cake mix by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.

2. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensures a gooey center.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

4. What can I use if I don’t have powdered sugar?
If powdered sugar isn’t available, you can process granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.

5. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written. However, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or to prepare extra batches for gifting.

7. How do I prevent cookies from becoming hard?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness. The bread helps retain moisture.

Enjoy spreading holiday cheer with these irresistible cookies! 🎄🍪