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.