Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*! These little gems are the epitome of holiday indulgence—rich, buttery, and oh-so-soft, they practically melt in your mouth! I remember the first time I made them for a holiday party; the moment I pulled them out of the oven, my kitchen was filled with this incredible aroma that had everyone wandering in to ask, “What’s baking?” The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up, thanks to the cake mix base! Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your holiday repertoire. They’re perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
Ingredients List
- 1 box of cake mix (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare *Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies*
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting those perfect cookie edges!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix it all together until it’s well blended. You want a nice, thick dough that’s easy to scoop.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese along with the vanilla extract until it’s super smooth and creamy. It should look dreamy—this is where the ooey gooey magic happens!
- Now, gently fold that luscious cream cheese mixture into your cookie dough. Don’t over mix; just combine until you can’t see any cream cheese swirls. It’s okay if it’s a little bit chunky!
- Next, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I like to use a cookie scoop for even sizes, but a regular spoon works too.
- Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar for that festive touch before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Deliciously rich and buttery, these cookies are a true treat.
- Soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings; they disappear fast!
- Easy to store—keep them in an airtight container for days of enjoyment.
- Fun to make with kids or friends; everyone can join in the cookie-making fun!
- Customizable with different toppings or flavors if you want to mix it up.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies* turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture that melds beautifully into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding the cream cheese mixture into the dough, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies rather than the light, gooey texture we want.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps with even baking—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so check them at the 12-minute mark. They should be lightly golden at the edges and soft in the center.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re in a warm kitchen, consider chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better.
Variations of *Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies*
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to shake things up with your *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, gooey chocolate twist!
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a teaspoon of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive flavor.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, cozy holiday vibe.
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the gooey texture.
- Fruit Fusion: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of color and a sweet-tart contrast.
These variations will keep your cookie game fresh and exciting, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, but if you like them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked goodness!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline. Each of these delightful *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies* typically contains:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti to give your *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies* a unique twist. Just remember that the flavor of the cake mix will influence the overall taste!
Why are my cookies not gooey enough?
If your cookies aren’t turning out as gooey as you’d like, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Your cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers still appear a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked when you take them out!
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—my beloved *Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*! I can’t wait for you to try them out and experience the joy they bring. If you make these cookies (and I really hope you do!), I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you try any fun variations? What was your favorite part of the baking process? Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or rate the recipe!
And hey, if you snap some photos of your delicious creations, don’t be shy! Share them on social media and tag me; I’d love to see your cookie masterpieces. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and lots of ooey gooey delights!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies: 7 Sweet Moments Await
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and buttery cookies perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix until well blended.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold the cream cheese mixture into the cookie dough until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust baking time for softer or firmer cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas ooey gooey butter cookies
