Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies : christmas is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and the delightful scent of baked goods wafting through the air. One treat that captures the spirit of the season is the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. This scrumptious recipe combines the sweet, buttery flavor we all love with a soft and chewy texture. Whether you are decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, or just relaxing with family, these cookies make every moment sweeter. In this article, we will dive deep into everything you need to know to create these festive delights in your own kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why you will fall in love with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. First, their soft and gooey texture is simply irresistible. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. Second, the buttery flavor will remind you of the comforts of home, making them a great addition to your holiday traditions. Third, these cookies are easy to make, even if you are a beginner in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Moreover, they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, or you can add festive decorations like sprinkles or icing to make them even more special. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup!

How to Prepare Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Baking these delicious cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can master, regardless of skill level. Let’s go through the steps together, making it simple and enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients:

To get started, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step instructions for making the cookies.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend them together until they are creamy and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra pop of flavor.
4. Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix and baking powder to the bowl. Mix until everything is well incorporated and forms a smooth dough. The dough will be soft and sticky.
5. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Generously sprinkle the tops of the dough balls with powdered sugar. Don’t be shy! This step adds a lovely sweetness and a festive touch.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will remain soft.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your cookies warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. You can serve them on a decorative platter for a festive touch. Consider adding other treats like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, or chocolate chip cookies to create a beautiful cookie table.

If you are hosting a holiday party, these cookies are great for dessert or as a sweet snack alongside hot cocoa or eggnog. Your guests will love the gooey texture and rich flavor.

Another fun idea is to package these cookies as gifts. Place them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Your friends and family will appreciate the homemade touch!

How to Store Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, proper storage is important. Here are some tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days.
• In the Fridge: If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider storing them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they can last for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, let them cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Tips for Preparing Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

1. Use Softened Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before starting. This helps to create the smooth and creamy dough.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the cake mix, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to less fluffy cookies.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
4. Customize with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough to give it your personal touch!
5. Be Mindful of Baking Time: Since ovens can vary in temperature, keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the center still looks slightly underbaked.

Variation

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are fantastic as is, but you can also customize them to suit your taste or the season. Here are a few ideas:

• Peppermint Version: Add crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract for a minty twist perfect for the holidays.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some chocolate chips or substitute half of the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to add a lovely crunch to the gooey texture.

Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipe to fit your preferences!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet to create different variations of these cookies.
2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   If your cookies are spreading too much, it might be due to the dough being too warm. Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture may slightly change. The cookies might not be as rich and gooey. For the best results, use regular cream cheese.
4. How can I tell when they are done?
   The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers look soft and slightly undercooked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients. Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets and oven.

In conclusion, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. They are easy to make, delicious, and sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them. Whether you are enjoying them with family or sharing them as a gift, these cookies will surely warm your heart and fill your holidays with sweetness. Happy baking!