Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of sweetness and creamy goodness. With their soft and slightly chewy texture, they are a crowd-pleasing treat that brings comfort and joy during the holiday season. Easy to make with a box of cake mix, these cookies are a go-to for holiday baking!

Ingredients

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Roll the cake mix dough into balls and flatten them with your hands.
5. Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough round.
6. Fold the edges of the dough over the cream cheese and roll into a ball.
7. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Flavor variations: You can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a different flavor profile or stir in some mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for added sweetness and color.
• Toppings: After baking, drizzle with a thin glaze or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
• Cream cheese filling: If you want a richer filling, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Reheating: To keep the cookies soft, reheat them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 275°F) for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What can I use instead of cake mix?
   You can try making a homemade version using flour, sugar, and baking powder, though the texture might differ slightly.
3. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
   Yes! You can use chocolate, strawberry, or any other flavor of cake mix for a unique twist on these cookies.
4. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
   No, the dough does not need to be chilled. You can bake it immediately after preparing the dough.
5. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or even a mixture of Greek yogurt and a little powdered sugar for a similar creamy texture.
6. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   Yes, these cookies freeze very well. Place them in an airtight container, separated by wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   To prevent spreading, make sure to roll the dough into a ball and avoid flattening it too much before baking.
8. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Yes! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or other add-ins like crushed peppermint for a festive twist.
9. Are these cookies supposed to be gooey?
   Yes, the “ooey gooey” texture is intentional. They should be soft in the center and slightly chewy around the edges.
10. Can I make mini versions of these cookies?
    Yes, you can make mini cookies by rolling smaller dough balls. Just be sure to adjust the baking time to about 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to add to your holiday baking repertoire. Simple to prepare, soft, and delicious, they make an ideal gift or festive snack for your family and friends. With their creamy center and golden exterior, these cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season!

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