Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies: 3 Easy Fun Tasty Tips.

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a gift from my tiny kitchen to busy schedules. As a professional chef behind Meal Prep Ideas, I know holidays demand speed and taste. These cookies were born from late-night testing after school pickups and client dinners. The result is a crowd-pleasing treat that travels well for cookie exchanges. Cream cheese and butter melt in the mouth; vanilla cake mix keeps things simple. Festive sprinkles add color and joy. This recipe fits busy moms and pros who want a wow-worthy dessert. Turn the oven on, and let’s bake joy into your season.

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Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies — what makes this recipe special

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are my holiday hug in a bite. I reach for them on crazy weeknights and for cookie exchanges alike. The magic lives in the creamy tang of cream cheese and the silky butter that melts on your tongue. A box of vanilla cake mix keeps the steps tame, while festive sprinkles splash color on the surface. This recipe shines for busy moms and professionals who want a wow-worthy dessert with minimal effort. Turn on the oven, gather the basics, and let the kitchen become a little joy factory. They travel well, a friendly caramel kiss in a bag.

Overview of flavor and texture

• The star is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite thanks to cream cheese and butter, with a soft center that stays gooey when fresh.
• Vanilla cake mix provides gentle sweetness and a familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor that many holiday cookies rely on.

Why it suits busy families and gift-giving

• Simple ingredient list, quick assembly, and a dessert that looks festive with sprinkles makes it ideal for busy schedules and thoughtful gifts.

Ingredients

For Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, gather these ingredients. They come together quickly to form the soft, festive treats we love. Exact quantities are printable at the bottom of the article.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and helps keep the centers tender and chewy.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened — adds tang and a luxe, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 large egg — binds the dough and contributes a bit of structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — classic warmth that lifts all flavors.
• 1 box vanilla cake mix — the secret shortcut that keeps this recipe simple yet delicious.
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles — brings color and festive bite.
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling — creates the signature snow-kissed exterior.

Optional notes: If you like a little extra zing, add ¼ tsp almond extract with the vanilla. For a dairy-free version, substitute with a soft dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternative; texture remains tender, but may be slightly different. Tip: exact quantities are printable at the bottom of the article.

Cream cheese and butter deliver richness and a tender crumb, while the vanilla cake mix keeps steps simple and the flavor familiar. Sprinkles twist every bite into a holiday moment, and the powdered-sugar coating seals that signature ooey gooey finish.

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

I love turning simple ingredients into magic. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies save time but taste like a holiday treat. Follow these steps for fast, festive joy.

Prepare the pan and gather ingredients

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment for easy release.
• Have the butter, cream cheese, egg, vanilla, cake mix, sprinkles, and powdered sugar ready to go to keep the process smooth.

Cream butter and cream cheese

• Beat butter and cream cheese together until light, fluffy, and well combined—about 2–3 minutes.

Add egg and vanilla

• Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated; scrape the sides as needed for a smooth base.

Incorporate cake mix to form dough

• Add the vanilla cake mix gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms that holds its shape when scooped.

Fold in holiday sprinkles

• Gently fold in sprinkles to distribute color without overworking the dough.

Roll dough in powdered sugar

• Scoop dough into 1–2 tablespoon portions and roll generously in powdered sugar for a snowy-coated exterior.

Bake, cool, and serve

• Space dough balls about 2 inches apart; bake 9–11 minutes until edges set but centers stay soft.
• Remove to a rack to cool briefly for the ooey gooey center before serving.

Now you can see how Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies come together with ease and festive flair.

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for a smoother, more cohesive dough.
• Aim not to overbake; edges should be set while centers stay soft to maximize gooeyness and flavor.
• Gently press extra sprinkles onto the tops before baking for more surface color.
• Keep dough portions uniform so cookies bake evenly and look uniform.
• If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate 10–15 minutes to make rolling easier and neater.
• Chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm to prevent runaway softness.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls and a hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy release.
• Baking sheets and a cooling rack for even cooling.
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise measuring.
• Rubber spatula and whisk for mixing and folding.
• Optional: a small scoop for uniform portions.

Variations

• Swap cake mix flavors (red velvet, chocolate, lemon, etc.) to match holiday themes while keeping the ooey gooey texture of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies.
• Fold in white chocolate chips or mini chopped nuts for extra texture without losing the tender bite.
• Make a dairy-free version with plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives; texture stays tender, though it may be a touch lighter.
• Use colored cake mix for themed batches—red and green for Christmas, or gold-sprinkled mix for celebrations beyond the season.
• Try a light coating of cinnamon-sugar instead of powdered sugar for a warm, spiced finish on top.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

I reach for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies when the schedule tightens, because they’re fast, forgiving, and always crowd-pleasing. I love how the cream cheese and butter melt into a tender bite, while a box of vanilla cake mix keeps things simple. They travel beautifully for gatherings, bake in minutes, and stay chewy for days. With festive sprinkles and a snowy coating, they bring warmth to family, friends, and coworkers.

Serving Suggestions

These serving ideas keep Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies festive and easy to share.

• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea.\
• Plate with extra sprinkles for a colorful finish.
• Present in a clear cellophane bag with a ribbon for gifting.
• Pair cookies with berry compote or whipped cream for contrast.

Make-Ahead Magic: Freezing, Storing, and Packaging Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Make-ahead magic helps busy days stay delicious. I love how these cookies can be prepped in stages, saving last-minute oven time.

• Dough for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies can be rolled in powdered sugar. Chill for up to 2 days before baking.
• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
• For gifting, freeze rolled dough logs dusted with powdered sugar. Slice and bake as needed.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate to extend freshness.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes. For Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you can freeze individual dough portions on a tray, then transfer them to a bag; bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time for a chewy center.

Can I substitute other cake mixes?

Absolutely; vanilla is classic for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, but red velvet or chocolate cake mixes work well too, changing color and flavor while keeping that tender, gooey texture.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes. Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix; the texture stays soft, though it may be a touch crumblier than the original version of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies.

How should I store and serve these cookies?

Store Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; for longer freshness, freeze baked cookies and re-warm briefly before serving.

Writing this makes me smile because Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies embody the season’s simplest joys. I love how a handful of pantry staples can turn into a warm, melt-in-your-mouth moment for busy families and colleagues alike. When I bake them, the kitchen smells like vanilla, butter, and a hint of celebration, and I realize tiny rituals can carry happiness. They travel well, stay chewy, and brighten gatherings with a splash of color from the sprinkles. Sharing them feels like giving a hug in a cookie, a tune of comfort that proves holiday joy can be effortless and delicious today.

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