Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there’s something magical about baking treats that fill your home with warm aromas and sweet memories. Among the glittering array of festive sweets, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies stand out for their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Picture soft, gooey centers dusted with powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles dancing with holiday cheer. They’re not just cookies; they’re tiny pieces of joy that bring smiles to faces young and old. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, looking for a gift from your kitchen, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies have got you covered. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some holiday magic together!

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Why This Recipe Works

The Science Behind Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

The unique combination of cream cheese and butter is the secret behind these delectable treats. Together, they create a deliciously rich and gooey texture that just melts in your mouth. And you know what makes this recipe even more achievable? The use of cake mix! This handy ingredient streamlines the baking process while enhancing the cookies’ flavor. It’s a fantastic way to whip up a batch of addictive cookies that everyone will love, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

A Perfect Holiday Treat

Imagine the joy of seeing these cookies on a holiday platter. They encapsulate the spirit of Christmas perfectly. Their delightful flavors, combined with a festive appearance thanks to the cheerful sprinkles, make them the ideal treat for holiday gatherings. Plus, they make great gifts, adding a personal touch that your friends and family will appreciate.

Ingredients for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)
• 1 package white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ½ cup sprinkles, divided
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Easy Recipe for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step sets the tone for the rich, gooey cookies you’re about to create.

Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add the large egg along with the optional almond and orange extracts. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated. These extracts elevate the flavor profile, making your cookies a true holiday hit.

Incorporate the Cake Mix

With your wet ingredients mixed, it’s time to gradually add the white cake mix. Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This dough will be the foundation of your cookies, so ensure it’s well combined.

Add Sprinkles

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in ¼ cup of the sprinkles into the dough. This not only adds to the flavor but also gives your cookies that vibrant holiday look.

Chill the Dough

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial because it helps firm it up, making the cookie-forming process much easier.

Preheat the Oven

While your dough chills, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent those delicious cookies from sticking.

Prepare the Coatings

In a small bowl, pour the powdered sugar. Keep the remaining ¼ cup of sprinkles in another bowl, ready to coat those dough balls later. This step is essential for that beautiful finish.

Form and Coat the Dough Balls

When the dough is ready, scoop out 1-inch portions and roll them into balls. Lightly press some sprinkles onto each ball for decoration, then roll them in the powdered sugar until fully coated. This will give your cookies a delightful sweetness and a lovely presentation.

Bake

Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the tops show slight cracks, creating that ooey-gooey finish we love.

Cool the Cookies

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before savoring these treats.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They can share the spotlight on a platter with other holiday cookies, adding a splash of color to your festive spread.

Tips for Success

• Ensure both butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve the ideal mixing consistency.
• Never skip chilling the dough! It makes a significant difference in the texture.
• Feel free to experiment with different extracts to match your taste preferences or to get creative with flavors.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Version: For a sweet twist, simply fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips.
• Peppermint Twist: Crush some peppermint candies and mix them into the dough for a refreshing holiday flavor.
• Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts for an extra crunchy texture.

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. They can stay good for up to 3 months, giving you some sweet options for the future.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
   Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with chocolate or lemon cake mixes to discover unique flavors.

2. What can I use instead of sprinkles?
   You can replace sprinkles with colored sugar, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts for fun variations.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The edges should be set, with the tops appearing slightly cracked for that perfect gooeyness.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chill until you’re ready to bake.

5. Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
   You bet! Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet.

With their beautiful appearance and mouthwatering taste, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are bound to be a holiday favorite. They bring joy and warmth to every celebration, perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. So, why not spread the love and bake up a batch today? Happy baking!

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