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These Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies have been a holiday favorite in my family for years. Their soft, rich texture combined with the perfect touch of sweetness makes them ideal for festive celebrations and sharing with loved ones.
I first baked these cookies during a busy holiday season and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. They quickly became a requested treat for every Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
- Half a cup unsalted butter: softened which adds creaminess and moisture to the cookies
- One package cream cheese: eight ounces softened for that signature ooey gooey texture and tangy richness
- One large egg: to bind the ingredients while keeping the cookies tender
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: to enhance the sweetness and add warmth
- One box yellow cake mix: fifteen point two five ounces which acts as the base bringing sweetness and structure
- One cup powdered sugar: for coating the cookies adding subtle sweetness and a delicate finish
- Red and green sprinkles: which give a festive look perfect for Christmas celebrations
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit one seventy five Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps even baking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine the softened butter cream cheese egg and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. This step ensures a creamy base for the dough.
- Incorporate the Cake Mix:
- Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix slowly until everything is fully combined forming a thick dough without any dry spots or streaks of cake mix.
- Form and Coat the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into approximately one inch balls making sure they are uniform in size for even baking. Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar so they have a nice coating which will crisp up slightly in the oven.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet leaving about two inches between each so they have space to spread. Bake them for ten minutes until the edges start turning a light golden color but the centers remain soft.
- Decorate Immediately:
- Right after removing the cookies from the oven sprinkle the red and green decorations onto the hot cookies. The warmth will help the sprinkles stick and create a beautiful festive look.
- Cool Before Serving:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes which lets them set and makes them easier to transfer. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
I love the way the cream cheese transforms these cookies giving them a luscious melt-in-your-mouth quality. Baking them always brings back memories of decorating cookies with my family while holiday music played in the background.
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their softness. If stacking is necessary, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage you can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies themselves. Just thaw gently at room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a lighter version you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white or vanilla cake mix. Using flavored extracts such as almond or peppermint can add a holiday twist. Butter can be swapped with margarine but for best flavor stick to real butter and cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced tea during chilly winter evenings. Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday treats to create an inviting dessert table. You can also sandwich two cookies with frosting or jam for a decadent variation.
These cookies bring holiday cheer with every bite and are sure to be a memorable treat for family and friends alike.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What makes these cookies soft and gooey?
The combination of softened butter and cream cheese creates a tender, moist texture that stays soft after baking.
- → Can I use different sprinkles for decoration?
Yes, you can personalize the look by using any sprinkles or toppings you prefer to match your occasion.
- → How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain softness.
- → Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe does not require chilling; the dough can be rolled and baked immediately.
- → Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake them in advance, then store properly to enjoy fresh on the day of serving.