If you’re ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of the holidays, this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are the perfect festive treat that blend a soft, buttery base with a cream cheese-rich, melt-in-your-mouth center, all sprinkled with cheerful Christmas sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or gifting a batch to loved ones, this recipe promises cookies that are irresistibly gooey, sweet, and full of holiday spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic in this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe comes from simple, everyday ingredients that combine beautifully to create a rich, tender cookie with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Each component plays its part, from the butter that adds moisture and flavor to the cream cheese that brings that signature gooey center.
- Salted butter (½ cup / 1 stick / 113 g, softened): Adds creamy richness that melts into the cookie dough, keeping every bite tender.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, softened): The star of the show for that irresistible, gooey texture and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups / 300 g): Sweetens the dough while helping to achieve a delightful crumb.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive and tender dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with a warm, inviting note.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 282 g): Gives structure to your cookies without overpowering their softness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup / 126 g, divided): Half blends into the dough for subtle sweetness; the other half coats the cookies for a delicate, snowy finish.
- Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Helps these cookies rise just enough, creating a light, airy bite.
- Christmas sprinkles (⅓ cup): Brings festive cheer and pops of color that make these cookies extra special.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that flawless golden bottom without worrying about cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the luscious base of your cookies, packed with rich flavor and the perfect tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, blend in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind everything while the vanilla deepens the flavor, making the cookie dough smell delightfully inviting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and half of the confectioners’ sugar. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mixing slowly helps maintain the cookie’s soft texture without overworking the dough.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold the Christmas sprinkles into the dough, keeping the colors vibrant and evenly distributed. This step adds that festive sparkle that makes these cookies so joyful!
Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Flatten
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls, then roll each ball into the remaining confectioners’ sugar for a sweet, snowy coating. Place about six of these on each baking sheet and lightly flatten them using the bottom of a glass or your hand to smooth out the tops just a bit.
Step 7: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes, only until the tops lose their wet sheen but are still soft and slightly underbaked in the centers. This ensures that signature ooey gooey texture you simply cannot resist.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest helps them set just enough while keeping that wonderful softness inside.
How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust your cookies lightly with a bit more confectioners’ sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Fresh peppermint bits also make a fun garnish that ties in classic holiday flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich, buttery cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk for an irresistible holiday snack. They also complement a festive brunch menu alongside fruit salad or whipped cream-topped coffee drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these glistening cookies on a lined holiday platter, sprinkle extra sprinkles across the plate, or stack them tied with a red ribbon for charming gifts. You might also place a few in a mason jar with a festive label as a heartfelt present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their softness and gooey texture for up to 3-4 days, perfect for indulging throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container once solid. This way, they’ll stay fresh for up to two months and thaw beautifully when needed.
Reheating
To revive that ooey gooey magic, warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven around 300°F for 5 minutes. This little heat brings back their soft center and fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! Just add a pinch of salt to your dough to balance the flavors and maintain that buttery richness.
What kind of sprinkles work best for this recipe?
Any festive Christmas-themed sprinkles or jimmies work wonderfully. Just choose ones that won’t melt too quickly to keep their color and crunch.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Why are the cookies called “gooey butter” cookies?
Because their centers are incredibly soft and slightly underbaked, creating an ooey gooey texture that’s buttery, moist, and utterly delicious.
How long do these cookies last outside the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and soft for about 3-4 days, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer. Once you taste these cookies, their irresistibly soft, buttery texture and festive sprinkles will become an essential part of your holiday traditions. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake alongside you, and enjoy every delicious, gooey bite!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, featuring a luscious blend of cream cheese and butter that creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar and adorned with colorful Christmas sprinkles, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and holiday cheer. Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy winter treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup (126 g) confectioners’ sugar, divided
Additional
- ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to beat softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a creamy batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and half (½ cup) of the confectioners’ sugar.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed to combine without overmixing.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles with a spatula, just until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls. Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar for a sweet coating. Place about six dough balls per baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Flatten each ball slightly by pressing down with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the tops no longer look wet and the edges are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure butter and cream cheese are fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft and slightly gooey in the center for the signature ooey gooey texture.
- The confectioners’ sugar coating adds a sweet finish and prevents sticking; ensure to roll the dough balls well.
- Use room temperature egg to help the ingredients blend together smoothly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For a festive twist, try using different colored sprinkles or add a hint of almond extract in place of vanilla.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
