Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies? These indulgent cookies are soft, buttery, and ooze with flavor, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to create these delightful cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends.

What Are Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies originated from St. Louis, Missouri, and have become a favorite among cookie lovers. These cookies have a rich, cake-like texture and are known for their buttery flavor and gooey center. During the Christmas season, they can be dressed up with festive decorations or enjoyed as they are.

Ingredients

To make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 box of cake mix (preferably vanilla or yellow cake mix)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• Optional: Sprinkles or festive decorations for a Christmas touch

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. Don’t worry; this is the secret to that gooey texture!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

For the best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step not only adds sweetness but also creates a beautiful finish on the cookies.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, you can sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top or add festive decorations to make them even more Christmassy.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Don’t Overbake: To maintain that ooey gooey texture, keep an eye on your cookies. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or peppermint extract to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Their soft, buttery texture and sweet flavor make them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply enjoying them with family, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your celebrations. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to help, and make this holiday season even sweeter with these scrumptious cookies!

Certainly! Here are some serving and storage tips for your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies to ensure they stay delicious and fresh:

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter or plate. Consider using holiday-themed decorations, such as colorful sprinkles or edible glitter, to enhance their visual appeal.
2. Pairing: Serve these cookies with a variety of beverages for a delightful treat. They pair well with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk, making for a cozy snack during the holiday season.
3. Mix and Match: Create a cookie platter by pairing your ooey gooey butter cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and chocolate chip cookies. This variety will please every palate.
4. Warm Up: For an extra special treat, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) before serving. This enhances their gooey texture and makes the butter flavor even more pronounced.
5. Gifting: These cookies make a wonderful gift. Consider packaging them in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon for a festive touch.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. This will help maintain their soft and gooey texture.
2. Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are in a tightly sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds after thawing.
5. Avoiding Sticking: If stacking cookies in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies stay delicious and festive for your holiday celebrations! Enjoy!

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! While the traditional recipe often uses vanilla or yellow cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors such as chocolate, red velvet, or lemon. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cookies will change depending on the cake mix you choose.

2. What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the refrigerator for an additional 15-30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to roll into balls. If the dough is still sticky after chilling, you can lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar while rolling.

3. How can I make these cookies more festive?

There are several ways to add a festive touch to your cookies! You can mix in holiday-themed sprinkles or chocolate chips into the dough before baking. Additionally, after baking, you can drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies or dust them with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in cookie-sized balls. Just make sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Print