These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the richness of butter and cream cheese with the simplicity of a cake mix. They are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray. Decorate them with festive sprinkles to add a touch of holiday cheer!

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (18.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Mix in the yellow cake mix until well blended.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll in powdered sugar.
Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Flavor variations: Use a lemon cake mix or chocolate cake mix to switch up the flavor profile of these cookies.
Decorative options: For added flair, use colored sugar, edible glitter, or even holiday-themed sprinkles instead of the standard ones.
Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to customize the cookies to your liking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! You can use any cake mix, such as lemon, red velvet, or even chocolate, for a different flavor.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
While you can use margarine, butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and texture.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Adding holiday sprinkles, colored sugars, or even tiny candy pieces on top of the cookies can make them extra festive.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer when ready.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
Can I use a different kind of frosting for these cookies?
These cookies are already sweet and gooey, so frosting is not necessary. However, you can drizzle them with a glaze for added sweetness.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with equal amounts of sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a cookie scoop to form the dough balls?
Absolutely! A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes and makes the process faster.
Why are these cookies called “Ooey Gooey”?
These cookies have a soft, chewy texture thanks to the combination of butter, cream cheese, and cake mix. The gooey consistency comes from their moistness and tenderness.

Conclusion

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try holiday treat that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. With their soft, chewy texture and buttery richness, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. These cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering and can be easily customized with different cake mix flavors or sprinkles. Enjoy the festive season with these delicious and gooey cookies!