As the holiday season approaches, the joy of baking fills kitchens everywhere with delicious aromas and cheerful memories. Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a perfect choice for this time of year. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, a hint of sweetness, and a sprinkle of festive colors, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday treat lineup. They are incredibly easy to make, fun to decorate with colorful sprinkles, and a hit with both kids and adults. With their buttery and creamy flavor, these cookies encapsulate the warmth and joy of the Christmas season.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe is adored for many reasons. Not only does it bring festive cheer to any dessert table, but it’s also easy enough to make with family and friends, turning the baking process into a shared holiday activity. The cookies are soft, gooey, and full of creamy richness from the butter and cream cheese. The almond extract adds a delicate flavor, enhancing the cookie without overpowering it, while the Christmas sprinkles give them a beautiful, festive touch. Whether you’re gifting these cookies, serving them at a holiday gathering, or indulging with a warm cup of cocoa, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.
Ingredients
For these delightful Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a subtle almond flavor)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles, plus extra for garnish
How to Make This Recipe
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for that gooey, rich texture. Add in the granulated sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy.
- Add the Flavors: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). The almond extract gives the cookies a subtle flavor boost without making them taste overly almondy—perfect for the holiday season.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft and sticky.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar and Sprinkles: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in powdered sugar. Place on the baking sheet, and if desired, press a few Christmas sprinkles into each ball for an extra pop of color.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Add More Sprinkles (Optional): For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles over the cookies while they’re still warm.
Success Tips
- Softened Ingredients: Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing. This will help achieve the smooth and gooey consistency that makes these cookies so delicious.
- Don’t Overbake: Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies should be slightly under-baked for that soft, gooey center. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set, even if the centers seem a little soft—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Use Powdered Sugar Generously: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar is essential. Not only does it add a delicate sweetness, but it also gives the cookies a beautifully snowy appearance that’s perfect for Christmas.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They maintain their gooey texture and soft flavor wonderfully without refrigeration.
Freezing: If you want to make a big batch in advance, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint or orange, for a unique holiday twist.
- Colorful Sprinkles: These cookies are versatile! Swap out the Christmas sprinkles for any seasonal or festive sprinkles to fit other celebrations or occasions.
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies should turn out just as soft and gooey.
2. What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! The almond extract is optional and just adds a hint of flavor. You can skip it or replace it with additional vanilla extract.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
For the best texture, full-fat cream cheese is recommended. Low-fat cream cheese may result in cookies that are less gooey and may have a slightly different flavor.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and space to accommodate the extra cookies.
Conclusion
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive, easy, and delightful treat that will fill your holiday season with warmth and sweetness. Their soft texture, delicate flavor, and cheerful sprinkles make them a wonderful addition to any cookie tray or holiday gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative decorating, you can bring a touch of holiday magic to your kitchen. Enjoy these cookies with family and friends, and may your holiday season be as sweet as each bite of these irresistible treats!