Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

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If Christmas had a flavor, it would be these ooey gooey butter cookies. They’re soft, rich, and taste like the holidays wrapped up in a bite-sized treat. Each cookie is dusted in powdered sugar, giving them that classic snowy look, and the inside is soft and chewy with a buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture that no one can resist.

What makes these cookies a seasonal standout is their nostalgic charm and simplicity. Made with cream cheese and a cake mix, they come together in no time and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday trays, or just a cozy night in with hot cocoa and a Hallmark movie.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

These cookies are the kind of treat that draws people in from across the room. Their soft center and sugar-coated exterior create the perfect contrast. You only need a few ingredients and a mixing bowl to whip up a batch, and they freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and fun to make together.

What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

Yellow cake mix is the go-to for that rich buttery flavor, but you can play with this base too. White cake mix will give a lighter flavor, while spice cake mix adds cozy cinnamon notes. Stick with a classic if it’s your first time, and then let your imagination run with the variations.

Ingredients for the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it an easy go-to when you need last-minute holiday treats. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow cake mix
This is the base of the cookie and gives that signature buttery flavor and soft texture.

Cream cheese
Adds creaminess and helps create that gooey center. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.

Unsalted butter
Melted butter makes everything better. It adds richness and depth to the cookies.

Egg
Acts as the binder and helps the dough hold together.

Vanilla extract
A touch of vanilla warms the flavor and brings out the sweetness.

Powdered sugar
For rolling the dough balls before baking. It creates the beautiful snowy look and adds sweetness.

How To Make the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Then slowly add the cake mix and mix until no streaks remain. The dough will be soft and sticky.

Step 2: Chill

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps firm it up so it’s easier to roll.

Step 3: Preheat and Roll

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 4: Bake

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have puffed up and the edges are just set. Don’t overbake!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The centers will continue to set as they cool.

How to Serve and Store These Holiday Cookies

These cookies make an amazing addition to any holiday dessert table or gift box. They’re festive, easy to stack, and hold their shape well. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it great for sharing.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. They thaw quickly and still taste delicious.

What to Serve With Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?

Hot Cocoa

The classic pairing. Nothing says cozy like dunking a butter cookie into rich, creamy hot chocolate.

Eggnog

That nutmeg-spiced holiday drink complements the sweet, buttery flavor of these cookies perfectly.

Mulled Wine

For the adults at the table, a glass of warm mulled wine with orange peel and cinnamon goes beautifully with these.

Peppermint Tea

A minty tea offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of ice cream in between for a decadent dessert.

Coffee

The perfect companion for your morning or afternoon cookie break.

Cranberry Compote

Serve a small spoonful on the side to add a tart contrast to the gooey richness.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll want to try some of our other festive favorites:

Check out these:

• Butter Pecan Cheesecake if you want to keep the buttery theme going strong.

• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for a bright citrusy twist.

• Peggi’s Gigantic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies for old-school comfort in a cookie.

• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight if you’re into fun, colorful cookies.

• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a pop of cherry red on your holiday tray.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different cake mix? Did you double up on powdered sugar?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a seasonal sweet – they’re a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a cookie box, or treating yourself, these cookies deliver pure holiday magic. Make them once and you’ll be asked to bring them back every year.

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