As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a bustling, fragrant wonderland filled with the scents of cinnamon, pine, and, most importantly, freshly baked cookies. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. With just a handful of simple ingredients, they’re not only easy to make but also decked out with festive sprinkles that bring a playful spirit to any gathering.
You can expect a delightful buttery texture that practically melts in your mouth, combined with a cream cheese richness that brings a comforting sweetness. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in with a cup of cocoa or setting up for a holiday party with family and friends, these cookies are sure to steal the show. Plus, they come together in just over 20 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute treat for any festive occasion. Let’s dive into this seasonal delight and create something truly magical together!
Why are Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible taste: The combination of buttery flavor and cream cheese makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Festive flair: Adorn them with colorful Christmas sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.
Quick to make: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
Perfect for sharing: Great for holiday gatherings, they will dazzle your guests and bring smiles all around.
Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients on hand, making this a convenient recipe to try!
Elevate your holiday baking with these unique treats and check out our easy cookie recipes for more festive delights!
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Batter
- Salted butter – ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g), softened for a rich, creamy texture.
- Cream cheese – 1 package (8 ounces), softened to enhance the cookie’s ooey gooey nature.
- Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups (300 g); sweetens the cookies perfectly.
- Large egg – 1, at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon to add a warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups (282 g) creates the structure of the cookie.
- Baking powder – 3 teaspoons to help the cookies rise.
For the Dusting
- Confectioners’ sugar – 1 cup (126 g), divided; roll the dough balls to achieve a sweet, snowy exterior.
For the Festive Touch
- Christmas sprinkles – ⅓ cup for a fun, colorful addition to your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies!
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies later.
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Cream the mixture: In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
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Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add in the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Mix the dry ingredients: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar. With your mixer on low, beat them into the creamed mixture until just combined and a soft dough forms.
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Fold in the sprinkles: Gently fold the Christmas sprinkles into the dough to give your cookies that festive flair and vibrant color.
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Scoop and flatten: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each scoop in the remaining ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar, then place about 6 dough balls on each prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
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Bake to perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, or until the tops no longer appear wet and are slightly set.
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Cool down: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
Creating a festive spread that balances flavor and texture is key to celebrating the holiday season.
- Cup of Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy smoothness of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the gooey sweetness of these cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cool vanilla ice cream on the side elevates this dessert to a new level of indulgence. The contrasting temperatures create a delightful mouthful.
- Peppermint Bark: The crisp, minty notes of peppermint bark complement the buttery richness of the cookies for a classic holiday treat.
- Spiced Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider brings cozy warmth and a tangy bite, enhancing the sweet flavors of your cookies.
- Christmas Fruitcake: The dense, fruity nature of traditional fruitcake offers a unique texture and taste that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.
- Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of milk. The creamy texture cuts through the sweetness, making each bite a blissful experience.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites introduce a velvety smoothness that pairs well with the cream cheese in the cookies. Each sweet and tangy bite is a delightful treat.
- Gingerbread Men: The spicy warmth of gingerbread men adds a festive flair and a contrasting chewiness, making for a perfect holiday pairing.
- Festive Spritzer: A light, fizzy spritzer infused with cranberry or pomegranate provides a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness, making your dessert table shine.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough balls and roll them in confectioners’ sugar, then refrigerate on a parchment-lined baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and place the dough directly on the baking sheets—no need to thaw! For maximum freshness, store the uncooked dough in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. These thoughtful make-ahead options ensure you’ll enjoy deliciously soft cookies, just as delightful as if they were baked fresh that day!
Expert Tips for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother dough and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until incorporated to keep your cookies tender and fluffy. Overmixing can make them tough.
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Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle when scooping.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; baking them just until the tops are set will ensure they remain gooey inside, which is the hallmark of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Play with Sprinkles: Feel free to mix and match your sprinkles! Different shapes or colors can make your cookies even more festive for holiday celebrations.
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Extra Dusting: For a delightful presentation, dust your cooled cookies with a little extra confectioners’ sugar right before serving.
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle some creativity into your cookie-making journey with these delightful twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a friendly gluten-free treat.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and earthy flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract to create a cool, mint-flavored holiday cookie.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
- Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the season.
- Fruity Flair: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins into the dough for a sweet and chewy texture contrast.
- Sugar Dusting: Instead of confectioners’ sugar for rolling, use a blend of granulated sugar and crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch!
Let your taste buds be your guide and create cookies that reflect your unique flavor preferences!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and gooey texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, store cookies in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour, then reheat individually in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies warm!
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness for butter and cream cheese?
Absolutely! Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature, which means they should be slightly soft to touch but not melted. This creates a smooth and cohesive cookie dough, leading to that deliciously gooey texture we all love.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Very! You can store your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, you might want to keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let them reach room temperature before serving to ensure they’re at their best!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely, you can! To freeze your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour. A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave brings the gooeyness right back!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice your cookies spreading excessively, it could be due to warm dough. Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, and try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps maintain their shape during baking, keeping them perfectly ooey-gooey!
Are these cookies safe for pets or allergies?
The Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies contain ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and sugar, which are not safe for pets. Additionally, be cautious of allergy sufferers; these cookies include gluten (from the flour) and dairy, so make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly if you’re baking for someone with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Decadent Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until smooth and fully blended.
- Add in the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ cup of confectioners' sugar, mixing on low until just combined.
- Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles into the dough.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough, roll in the remaining confectioners’ sugar, and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until tops are not wet and are slightly set.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.