Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

There is something utterly magical about Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, buttery richness and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Festive sprinkles add the perfect pop of color and cheer, making them not only delicious but wonderfully inviting for holiday gatherings. If you want to bring a homemade, joyful treat to your holiday table, these cookies are a must-try that’s sure to become a cherished tradition year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. From rich butter and cream cheese making the cookies unbelievably tender, to the sprinkles adding festive flair, every item is essential for the ultimate holiday bite.

• Salted butter (½ cup / 1 stick / 113 g): Provides richness and moisture essential for that soft, gooey texture.
• Cream cheese (1 package, 8 ounces): Adds a subtle tang and creamy softness that sets these cookies apart.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups / 300 g): Sweetens the dough while helping create the perfect crumb.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor for that comforting familiarity.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 282 g): The sturdiness of this flour balances the soft texture, ensuring the cookies hold shape.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup / 126 g, divided): Used to roll the dough, it adds a delicate sweetness and the signature melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Gives the cookies a slight lift and airiness without cheesecakey density.
• Christmas sprinkles (⅓ cup): Brings festive color and a bit of crunch—perfect for holiday cheer.

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple first step makes a big difference in your cookie’s final shape and texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Using a hand-held mixer, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step builds the cookie’s rich, tender base that’s famously ooey and gooey.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract. These add moisture and depth of flavor that elevate these cookies from ordinary to irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and half of the confectioners’ sugar into the wet mixture. Mixing on low speed helps avoid overworking the dough, keeping your cookies delightfully tender.

Step 5: Fold in Christmas Sprinkles

Gently fold in the vibrant Christmas sprinkles until evenly distributed. They bring not only cheer but delightful pops of festive crunch throughout every bite.

Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Flatten Dough Balls

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in the remaining half of the confectioners’ sugar. This creates a sweet, slightly crisp coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft center. Place the sugared dough balls onto the lined baking sheets, about six per sheet, and gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8 to 11 minutes or until the cookie tops lose their wet shine but remain soft to the touch. Allow the cookies to rest for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies finish setting perfectly.

How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra confectioners’ sugar on top after baking for a snowy, festive touch. You could also add a drizzle of white chocolate or a few extra festive sprinkles to really make them sparkle on the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa. The creamy and cozy drinks beautifully complement the buttery sweetness and ooey gooey texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies on a decorative holiday platter lined with fresh pine sprigs or holly for a stunning presentation. You could also stack them tied with a festive ribbon as adorable edible gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and prevents drying out while maintaining that wonderful ooey gooey texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. Enjoy that freshly made softness and melty goodness all over again.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can swap in unsalted butter if you like. Just add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance flavors since salted butter already contains salt.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

These cookies call for all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free baking blends, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is key for the signature ooey gooey texture and tang, so substituting it could change the outcome. If necessary, mascarpone is the closest alternative.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies taste best within 3 days. Beyond that, their texture may start to degrade.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and rolling for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create a holiday treat that feels like a warm, buttery hug, the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies should be on your baking list this season. Their irresistibly soft texture and festive look make them a joyful addition to any gathering, and they’re simple enough to whip up while spreading plenty of holiday cheer. Grab your mixing bowl and enjoy every delicious moment!

Print