Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are an irresistible holiday treat that combine the best of both worlds—soft, chewy, and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness. These cookies are a festive spin on the classic ooey gooey butter cake, but in a smaller, more bite-sized form, making them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply sharing with family and friends.

What makes these cookies special is their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the combination of butter, cream cheese, and a dusting of powdered sugar. The slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar, creating an indulgent treat that everyone will love. With their soft center and slightly crispy edges, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easy process of making these ooey gooey cookies, share tips for getting that perfect texture, and suggest some fun ways to customize the recipe to make it uniquely yours. Get ready to bake a batch of these sweet, gooey, buttery delights that will bring joy to everyone who tastes them!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Irresistibly Soft and Gooey Texture

The hallmark of these cookies is their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese, they have a soft, gooey center that contrasts perfectly with the slightly crisp edges. Every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug.

Rich and Buttery Flavor

These cookies are rich with the flavor of butter, which is complemented by the tanginess of cream cheese. Together, they create a decadent treat that is both sweet and savory, making it hard to stop at just one.

Easy to Make

Despite their indulgent flavor and texture, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are surprisingly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, and the cookies bake in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, you’ll be able to make these cookies with ease.

Customizable for the Holidays

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize the flavor with a variety of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles. Additionally, rolling the dough in festive colored sugars before baking gives the cookies a cheerful, holiday-ready appearance.

Perfect for Gifting and Sharing

These cookies are ideal for holiday gifting. They look as good as they taste, with their festive powdered sugar coating and soft, gooey centers. Whether you’re packaging them in cute gift boxes or sharing them at a holiday gathering, these cookies will surely be a hit.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Servings: Approximately 24-30 cookies (adjustable)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150-170 calories per cookie, depending on size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 18-22g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 12-14g

Ingredients

• Flour: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon salt
• Butter: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• Eggs: 2 large eggs
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered Sugar: ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• Colored Sugar (Optional): For rolling, if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to make sure they are well mixed and evenly distributed. The baking powder will help the cookies rise slightly and maintain their soft texture.

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. The butter and cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure they mix together easily and result in a smooth dough.

Add the granulated sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The sugar helps create a tender cookie texture and adds sweetness.

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat on low speed until fully combined. The eggs help bind the dough and give it structure, while the vanilla extract provides a sweet, comforting aroma.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, it should be soft and slightly sticky.

2. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential for making sure the cookies hold their shape while baking and to avoid spreading too much.

3. Roll the Dough

After the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Prepare a shallow bowl with powdered sugar for rolling the dough balls. If you want a more festive touch, you can also prepare a bowl with colored sugar (such as red, green, or a mix of both) for an extra pop of holiday cheer.

Once the dough is chilled, scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon per cookie. Roll each dough ball between your hands to form a smooth ball, then roll it generously in the powdered sugar (and colored sugar, if using). The powdered sugar will give the cookies their signature gooey, cracked look once they bake.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Don’t worry if the dough looks a bit uneven—this is part of the charm of these ooey gooey cookies!

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will puff up slightly and crack on top, which is the signature “ooey gooey” look. Be careful not to overbake them; the center should remain soft and gooey, while the edges become lightly golden.

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This will help them set and maintain their shape. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies have cooled, they are ready to be served! These cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of tea, giving them as gifts, or sharing them at a holiday gathering.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Don’t Skip the Chilling Step

Chilling the dough is essential to ensure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking. This step also helps the cookies maintain their perfect gooey center.

Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese

Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures that they blend together smoothly and help create the soft, gooey texture of the cookies.

Roll the Dough Generously in Powdered Sugar

The powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness to the cookies but also creates the signature crackled effect. Don’t be shy—roll the dough balls generously in the sugar for that perfect look.

Don’t Overbake

Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking them can result in dry cookies, so take them out when they are just beginning to set around the edges but the center is still soft.

Customize the Flavor

You can customize the flavor of these cookies by adding different extracts such as almond or lemon, or even adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a spicy kick. You can also incorporate mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles for added texture and color.

Variations of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Lemon Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

For a fresh twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough and use lemon extract instead of vanilla. The bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of these cookies.

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

For chocolate lovers, add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough to create a chocolatey version of the classic. You can also mix in chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.

Peppermint Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough and roll the dough balls in crushed peppermint candy before baking. The minty flavor adds a festive touch perfect for the holiday season.

Coconut Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

For a tropical twist, add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the dough. The coconut pairs beautifully with the buttery texture of these cookies and adds a delicious chewiness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

To enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as when they were first baked.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, they can also be paired with a variety of festive drinks and sides:

• Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows complements the rich, buttery flavor of the cookies.
• Eggnog: This creamy holiday classic pairs wonderfully with the soft, gooey texture of these cookies.
• Spiced Apple Cider: For a festive twist, pair the cookies with a cup of spiced apple cider for a comforting and flavorful treat.

Print

Conclusion

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday baking collection. Their rich, buttery flavor and soft, gooey texture make them a standout treat that will delight anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with your family, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to make a batch of these irresistible cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. From the melt-in-your-mouth texture to the festive powdered sugar coating, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Happy baking!