Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

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If your holiday dessert table is in need of something truly magical, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies might just be the star of the show. Soft, buttery, and dusted in powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are everything you love about gooey butter bars—transformed into a festive handheld treat. Each bite is tender on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

The cream cheese in the dough adds richness and that signature gooey texture, while the touch of vanilla brings warmth. You can dress them up with red and green sprinkles, or keep them classic with a snowfall of sugar. Either way, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing cookie for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or cozy nights in with hot cocoa.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

For the richest flavor and perfect soft texture, use unsalted real butter, not margarine. Let it soften at room temperature so it creams easily with the cream cheese. Salted butter works in a pinch—just reduce or skip the added salt in the dough.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
• 1/4 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• Optional: holiday sprinkles for decoration

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How To Make the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Gradually add the dry cake mix and salt, beating just until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be sticky.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm it up.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each generously in powdered sugar. Add sprinkles if using.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies are puffed and just set at the edges. Don’t overbake—they should still look soft in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temp.

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Serving and Storing Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Serve these cookies as a sweet addition to a dessert platter or package them in a festive tin for gifting. They’re especially lovely next to a mug of spiced cider or peppermint mocha.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the uncoated dough balls and roll them in sugar just before baking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! Try red velvet, lemon, or chocolate cake mix for a twist. Each adds its own unique holiday flair.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Absolutely. The dough is sticky and chilling it helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix. Just check for any additional ingredients needed.

What’s the texture supposed to be like?

Soft, chewy, and slightly gooey in the center with a lightly crisp edge. They shouldn’t be firm all the way through.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from disappearing?

Make sure the dough is chilled and roll each cookie in a thick layer of powdered sugar just before baking. A second roll helps too!

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies have you feeling festive, here are a few more delicious cookie recipes you’ll love:

• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a buttery cherry-studded delight.
• Delightful Clothespin Cookies (Mini Ladylocks) that bring nostalgia and cream-filled layers.
• Healthy Cookies Recipe if you want a guilt-free option on your holiday platter.
• Easter Oreo Cookie Casserole for cookies and cream lovers (yes, it works year-round!).
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for something wholesome and easy.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Let me know in the comments how your cookies turned out! Did you go classic or dress them up with sprinkles? Did Santa get any?

Your twists and questions help others bake with confidence. Let’s keep spreading holiday joy—one gooey cookie at a time.

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