Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

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These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and decked out in festive colors—making them the ultimate holiday treat. With a rich, buttery flavor and a slightly crisp exterior coated in powdered sugar, every bite melts in your mouth like magic. They’re the perfect blend of nostalgic sweetness and modern simplicity.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a cookie exchange, Santa’s plate, or just to treat yourself on a chilly evening, these cookies bring a pop of cheer and a whole lot of flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and a holiday twist, they’ll become a go-to favorite every December.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, the right tools make all the difference:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Crucial for achieving that silky-smooth butter and cream cheese blend that gives these cookies their signature gooey center.
• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry—this keeps everything tidy and helps with even mixing.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and a professional finish.
• Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and allows the cookies to bake evenly without burning.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies without trapping steam underneath—so the bottoms don’t get soggy.

These tools streamline your process, reduce mess, and help create consistently delicious results.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a role in building flavor and texture:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, this gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth base.
• Cream Cheese: Adds to the gooey texture and balances sweetness with a slight tang.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and helps with the soft, chewy structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A shortcut to flavor and fluffiness—this forms the core dry base.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling, it creates that classic crinkle top and sweet outer coating.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Red and green nonpareils or jimmies give the cookies a festive finish.

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How To Make the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. This step ensures the base of your cookie is rich and airy.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This enhances the texture and infuses the batter with cozy flavor.

Step 3: Fold in the Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix, stirring until everything is combined. The dough will be thick—perfect for scooping and shaping.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 5: Roll and Sprinkle

Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls. Roll each in powdered sugar, then lightly press the tops into a bowl of Christmas sprinkles.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Edges should be set, but centers will remain soft. Let cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Serve these cookies slightly warm for the ultimate gooey experience—they pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their vibrant look makes them a standout addition to holiday dessert trays or cookie exchange boxes.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag—simply thaw at room temp or microwave for a few seconds to revive that soft center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking is key. It firms up the fats so the cookies don’t flatten out too quickly in the oven.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a buttery richness, try vanilla, spice, or even red velvet for a fun twist.

Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?

Sifting isn’t required, but it helps create a more even coating and prevents clumps on the cookies.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Check other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Are these cookies good for mailing?

Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pack tightly in a cookie tin to avoid breakage.

What if I don’t have sprinkles?

You can skip them or substitute with colored sugar, edible glitter, or crushed peppermint for a different festive touch.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other festive and flavorful treats:

• Traditional German Lebkuchen for a spiced and chewy classic.
• Coconut Snowballs: A Delightful Holiday Treat that melt in your mouth.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a buttery, tender bite.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge if you want to add variety to your dessert platter.
• Apple Enchiladas for a warm and cozy twist on baked sweets.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you chill the dough longer or go extra heavy with the sprinkles? Maybe you swapped the cake mix flavor?

I love seeing your variations and helping you make every holiday treat extra special. Questions are welcome too—let’s bake joyfully, together.

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