Heavenly Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Blissful Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe for Christmas Joy

Soft, pillowy, and dusted with powdered sugar, these ooey gooey butter cookies melt in your mouth like a sweet Christmas dream.

The classic Southern dessert brings comfort and joy to every holiday gathering.

Cream cheese and butter create a rich, decadent base that guarantees pure indulgence.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of tender texture and delicate sweetness.

Warm ovens and festive kitchens come alive with the aroma of these irresistible treats.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive cookie that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Prepare to delight your loved ones with a batch of these mouthwatering Christmas cookies that spark pure happiness.

For Base and Texture:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy foundation and helps create tender cookie texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Introduces tangy softness and ensures ultra-smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Cake Mix: Provides structured sweetness and simplifies cookie preparation.
For Binding and Flavor:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to soft, pillowy cookie structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall warmth and depth of sweet flavor profile.
For Festive Decoration:
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Brings cheerful color, festive visual appeal, and fun seasonal touch.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates delightful snowy coating and adds extra layer of sweetness.
For Enhancement:
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and introduces subtle aromatic complexity.

Baking Tools for Soft and Sticky Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining butter, cream cheese, egg, and cake mix smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for beating ingredients to a fluffy consistency.
  • Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Helps create uniform 1-inch dough balls.
  • Baking Sheets: Provides even surface for baking cookies.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

  • Whip Up the Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend butter and cream cheese until they’re super smooth and fluffy. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks happy together. Gradually stir in cake mix until the dough looks perfectly combined. Toss in some festive sprinkles and give it a gentle fold.

  • Chill Out

Cover your dough and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it hang out and get deliciously cold for at least an hour – overnight works even better if you can wait.

  • Get Ready to Bake

Warm up the oven to 350F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

  • Roll and Coat

Scoop out small dough balls and roll them in extra sprinkles. Then give them a luxurious bath in powdered sugar so they’re completely dressed up and gorgeous.

  • Bake to Perfection

Place your sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between them. Slide them into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want edges that look set but centers that stay delightfully soft.

  • Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. These little treats are ready to munch or share as sweet holiday gifts!

  • Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to help cookies hold their shape and develop richer flavors, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
  • Experiment with different holiday sprinkle colors like red and green for classic Christmas vibes, or silver and white for an elegant winter wonderland look.
  • Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
  • Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter to create a delicious version suitable for plant-based diets.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 weeks to enjoy the festive treat later.

Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies with a Dusting of Cheer

  • Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies on a beautiful holiday-themed platter, surrounded by candy canes and fresh holly leaves for a stunning seasonal presentation.
  • Cookie and Cocoa Pairing: Serve these soft, powdery cookies alongside a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, sprinkled with extra holiday sprinkles for a cozy winter treat that warms the soul.
  • Gift-Giving Delight: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, adding a personalized holiday tag for a homemade gift that spreads Christmas cheer to friends and family.
  • Dessert Table Star: Create a festive dessert display by clustering these cookies with other holiday treats, using decorative cake stands and twinkling fairy lights to make them the centerpiece of your Christmas celebration.

Keep Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Soft and Ready to Share

  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, protecting their soft texture and delightful flavor.
  • Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Select festive tins or clear cellophane bags with holiday ribbons. Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain pristine appearance.
  • Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room temperature environment between 65-70°F keeps cookies fresh and maintains their delectable consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with other flavors like vanilla or yellow cake mix. Ensure it’s a standard box mix for the best results.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough thoroughly before baking. Cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

  • Are these cookies good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These festive cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings. They’re easy to make, colorful, and have a delightful soft texture that everyone loves.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the cookies.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 25

Print
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Heavenly Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Indulgent Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies bring festive cheer with rich cream cheese and powdered sugar. Seasonal bakers can delight in this simple, classic dessert that warms hearts during holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Creaming: Whip butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, aerated texture with no visible lumps.
  2. Liquid Integration: Blend egg and vanilla essence into the creamed mixture, ensuring smooth and even incorporation without overmixing.
  3. Dough Formation: Gently fold cake mix into the wet ingredients, creating a uniform dough and delicately stirring in holiday sprinkles for festive flair.
  4. Chilling Preparation: Encase dough and refrigerate for one hour, allowing flavors to develop and mixture to solidify.
  5. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
  6. Cookie Shaping: Form uniform dough spheres using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, rolling each ball first through additional sprinkles, then generously coating with powdered sugar for a winter-inspired appearance.
  7. Baking Process: Arrange cookie spheres on prepared sheets, spacing two inches apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges set while maintaining a tender, gooey center.
  8. Cooling and Serving: Rest cookies briefly on baking sheet for structural stabilization, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve immediately or package in festive containers for seasonal gifting.

Notes

Manage Moisture Perfectly: Avoid overmixing dough to prevent tough cookies; blend ingredients just until combined for that signature soft, gooey texture.

Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigeration isn’t optional – it helps cookies hold shape, intensifies flavors, and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Powdered Sugar Technique: Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar right before baking for a beautiful snow-dusted appearance and delicate sweet crust.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap cake mix with gluten-free alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising delicious holiday essence.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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