Pin
This Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies recipe has completely changed how I approach holiday baking with my family. Every bite melts with festive flavor and tender, chewy texture, dusted in powdered sugar for a true taste of Christmas spirit. With just 25 minutes prep time and 30 to 45 minutes bake time, these easy cookies are the perfect last minute treat for cookie exchanges or big holiday parties, combining classic ingredients with showstopping results.
I discovered these ooey gooey Christmas cookies a few winters back when searching for an easy cookies for a crowd recipe, hoping to find something new for our holiday platter. They instantly became the highlight of our Christmas celebrations, especially because they are so soft, sweet, and gooey inside. The sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and colorful decor always brings nostalgic joy, and they disappear first thanks to their melt in your mouth magic.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Salted butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and ensures the dough stays moist. Always use high quality, fully softened butter for even blending and best results. Unsalted works if you add a pinch of salt.
- Cream cheese: Gives the cookies their signature gooey texture and gentle tang. Use full fat, brick style cream cheese at room temperature for smooth mixing and tender crumb. Mascarpone is a workable substitute for less tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates those pretty crackled tops. Always scoop and level for accurate measurement, or weigh for precision. Cane sugar is a fine swap.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and lends structure, keeping cookies soft. Using a room temperature egg prevents curdling during mixing and helps dough come together smoothly. Flaxseed egg works as a vegan alternative.
- Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the classic holiday flavors and brings warmth to every cookie. Use real vanilla for best taste, or swap half for almond extract for a nutty note.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of structure and softness in these cookies. Fluff before measuring to prevent dense cookies, and weigh for maximum consistency. Gluten free one for one flour blends can be used for allergy friendly baking.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Locks in moisture and provides a sweet, powdery finish. Sift before rolling for the smoothest snowy exterior. Swap with stevia blend for reduced sugar versions.
- Baking powder: Gives lift and helps the cookies stay light and tender. Always check freshness before baking for best rise. Omit if using self rising flour.
- Festive sprinkles: Adds holiday color and funfetti flair that kids and adults love. Stir in gently at the end to keep the colors bright and prevent bleeding. Use colored sugars for variation.
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even, golden bottoms without burnt edges. Parchment also makes cleanup fast and easy.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend softened salted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar on medium speed for two to three minutes. Mixture should be light, fluffy, and pale. This makes the cookies extra tender and airy when baked.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Add one room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until just smooth and glossy, scraping down the sides as needed. This prevents streaks and gives an even crumb in every cookie.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Add all-purpose flour, baking powder, and half your confectioners’ sugar. Mix on low until a thick, sticky dough forms and no traces of dry flour remain. Scraping ensures even hydration and prevents lumps for the trademark gooey texture.
- Fold in Festive Sprinkles:
- Gently fold sprinkles into the dough with a spatula, using a light hand to avoid overmixing. This protects the color and keeps the interior soft instead of tough.
- Shape and Roll the Dough:
- Scoop the dough into balls using a two tablespoon cookie scoop or large spoon. Roll each ball in the remaining confectioners’ sugar to fully coat, then arrange six per sheet, lightly flattening tops for uniform baking and crackly tops.
- Bake to Gooey Perfection:
- Bake cookies for eight to eleven minutes, rotating pans halfway if needed. The tops should lose their wet sheen but remain pale. Avoid browning edges for that perfect gooey center.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cool. This keeps them soft in the center and ensures they fully set while preserving their signature tender texture.
Last year, I made a double batch and froze half, ready to pull out when Santa stopped by for a late night snack and family gathered unexpectedly. The cookies tasted just as pillowy and creamy after thawing, so now I always prep extras for our Christmas week festivities. My kids especially love the surprise of holiday sprinkles and the generous powdered sugar layer on top.
Smart Swaps and Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt for various needs, whether you want gluten free, festive flavors, or classic funfetti. Swap in gluten free one for one flour for a celiac friendly version, or use plant based cream cheese and buttery spread to make your cookies dairy free. Add peanut butter or switch up the sprinkle colors to suit everything from summer birthdays to Halloween or school events, making these gooey cookies a year round hit.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
To keep your ooey gooey Christmas cookies soft and fresh, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer term storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer before stacking in freezer containers, or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen as needed. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for five minutes to revive that delicious gooey texture.
What to Serve with Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
These festive cookies make a statement on any dessert tray but are especially delicious with classic Christmas drinks. Serve with hot cocoa or mulled cider for a cozy winter pairing, or stack with peanut butter or peppermint cookies for a colorful cookie box. They look beautiful wrapped in clear bags with ribbon for gift giving, or served warm with ice cream for a celebratory finish to your holiday meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies deliver a sweet, satisfying treat with a surprising bump of protein thanks to cream cheese and egg. Each cookie contains roughly 430 calories and 15 grams of protein, providing energy for busy holiday activities. You can make them gluten free or dairy free as needed, and the nut free base is safe for many party platters unless you choose to add extra nutty ingredients.
Recipe Success Tips
Sticky dough is a common challenge, so chill it for ten minutes before rolling if it feels too soft. Lightly dampen your hands if cracks form while flattening dough balls to get perfect smooth edges every time. If you want extra chewy cookies, bake for just eight minutes and let them cool on the tray, and use a stand mixer if doubling the recipe for large batch holiday baking.
These ooey gooey Christmas cookies always deliver that magical taste of holiday joy, with each batch filling your kitchen with sweet, buttery aroma. For foolproof results and festive fun, try a new sprinkle color or flavor twist this year and bring extra smiles to every Christmas gathering.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you achieve a gooey texture in the cookies?
The gooey texture comes from cream cheese, softened butter, and a gentle bake time. Avoid overbaking for that signature soft center.
- → Can you make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them a day in advance. Store in an airtight container to retain their gooey consistency.
- → What kind of butter is best to use?
Salted butter adds richness and depth. Ensure it's softened for easier creaming with sugar and cream cheese.
- → Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze fully cooled cookies or raw dough balls. Thaw at room temperature and dust with extra sugar if desired.
- → Is it necessary to roll the dough in confectioners’ sugar?
Rolling in confectioners’ sugar provides a delicate crust and classic crackled look, enhancing both texture and appearance.