Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

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These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the softest, most melt-in-your-mouth cookies I’ve ever made — and they’ve officially become a holiday tradition in my kitchen. The first time I baked them, I couldn’t believe how tender and pillowy they turned out, with a crackly powdered sugar coating that gives way to a buttery, vanilla-rich interior. I made one batch and they were gone within hours — everyone kept reaching for “just one more.”

They’re festive without being complicated, and the red and green sprinkles add that perfect seasonal touch. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and holiday cheer, this one checks every box. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or just want a cozy treat to enjoy by the fire, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

These cookies strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. You only need a few basic ingredients, but the result tastes like something from a gourmet bakery. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and the sugary coating gives a snow-dusted finish that feels like Christmas in every bite.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, or even customize the sprinkles for different holidays. Plus, they’re kid-friendly both to make and to eat — a great family baking activity!

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

I always recommend using unsalted, high-quality butter for this recipe. Since butter is the star of the flavor, the better the butter, the richer the taste. If all you have on hand is salted butter, you can use it — just reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe.

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it creams well with the cream cheese and sugar, giving you that signature fluffy texture.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to switch things up, here are a few reliable substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter for a similar texture and taste.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla for a richer depth.
• Festive Variations: Swap out the red and green sprinkles for other seasonal colors to enjoy these year-round.

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Ingredients for This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

• Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies their signature rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for creating that soft, gooey center. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the dough and helps the cookies puff up while baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor — don’t skip this.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A genius shortcut that adds sweetness, structure, and moisture to the cookies without extra measuring.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling the dough before baking, giving that festive, snowy crackle look.
• Red and Green Sprinkles: The perfect finishing touch for holiday flair. Adds crunch and color.

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Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Take the butter and cream cheese out ahead of time to soften. You’ll want them at room temperature so they cream together smoothly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This step is key to getting that gooey texture in the final cookie.

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Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is well combined and silky. You should see a creamy, custard-like consistency.

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Step 4: Incorporate the Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the bowl and mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough. It may feel soft, but don’t worry — chilling will firm it up.

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Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 30–60 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to scoop and roll.

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Step 6: Shape and Coat

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar, then sprinkle with red and green sprinkles.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops have that crackled look. Do not overbake — they should look slightly underdone in the center.

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Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, they’re ready to enjoy or store away for your holiday celebrations.

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How Long to Prepare the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Making these cookies doesn’t require a ton of time, but it’s important to factor in the chilling step to get the best texture.

Active Prep Time: Around 15–20 minutes. This includes creaming the butter and cream cheese, mixing in the ingredients, and rolling the dough into balls.

Chill Time: About 30–60 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and enhances the final texture.

Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch. Depending on your oven and the size of your cookies, this may vary slightly.

Total Time: Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish, including chilling and cooling.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

• Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s crucial for handling the dough and achieving that chewy interior.
• Use a cookie scoop. It ensures all cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.
• Generously coat in powdered sugar. This is what creates that classic crackled, snowy effect.
• Don’t overbake. Take them out when they look slightly underdone — they’ll finish setting on the baking sheet.
• Store properly. These cookies stay soft longer when stored in an airtight container.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold butter or cream cheese: This can cause lumps and uneven mixing.
• Skipping the chill: Warm dough will spread too much and lose its shape.
• Overmixing after adding cake mix: This can make the cookies dense.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Give them room to spread slightly.
• Under-coating with powdered sugar: This affects both the texture and festive look.

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What to Serve With Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies for the ultimate holiday treat.

2. Peppermint Mocha

The cool mint flavor cuts through the richness of the cookies — a perfect balance.

3. Eggnog

A traditional holiday drink that complements the buttery sweetness beautifully.

4. Fresh Berries

Add a bowl of raspberries or strawberries for a fresh, slightly tart contrast.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream

Make dessert extra special by turning the cookies into ice cream sandwiches or crumbling them over a scoop.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm or humid, you can refrigerate them. Let them come to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing: Freeze the dough balls (pre-sugar coating) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes, roll in sugar, and bake. Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed when needed.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: ~140
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They should be lightly golden at the edges and soft in the center. If they look slightly underdone, that’s perfect — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled. Just roll, coat, and bake when ready.

Do I need to use cake mix?

Yes, it’s a key ingredient. It gives the cookies their fluffy, gooey texture without needing extra flour or sugar.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. These cookies are great for gifting, so doubling the batch is a smart move during the holidays.

How do I keep the cookies from sticking together in storage?

Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper in your container to prevent them from sticking.

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Conclusion

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the kind of treat that makes the whole kitchen smell like holiday magic. Soft, buttery, and sugar-dusted with festive sprinkles, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking them for a party, wrapping them up as gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies bring the spirit of the season to every bite. They’re a new classic — and one you’ll want to make year after year.

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