There’s something magical about Christmas baking, isn’t there? The smell of butter and sugar wafting through the house, the sparkle of sprinkles, and the joy of sharing something sweet with the people you love. That’s why I’m obsessed with these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies—they’re the perfect holiday treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with rich buttery flavor, they’re like little bites of Christmas joy. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. I first made these for a cookie swap a few years ago, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than Santa’s milk and cookies. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Listen, I know holiday baking can be stressful—between the shopping, the wrapping, and the general chaos, who has time for fussy recipes? That’s why these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are my go-to. They’re ridiculously simple, but don’t let that fool you—they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. My grandma used to say, "The best recipes are the ones that look fancy but secretly take no effort," and these cookies? They’re proof. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

Effortless magic: Just mix, roll, bake, and dust with powdered sugar. No chilling, no cutting, no stress.
Festive flair: Those red and green sprinkles? Instant holiday cheer. (I may or may not have eaten half the batch before they even made it to the cookie tray last year.)
Crowd-pleaser: Kids love ‘em, adults sneak seconds, and they’re always the first to vanish at parties.
Perfect for gifting: Stack them in a cute tin, and boom—you’ve got a homemade gift that looks (and tastes) like you’re a baking pro.

Seriously, if these cookies don’t become your new holiday tradition, I’ll eat my Santa hat. They’re that good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because the magic of these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies starts with the right stuff. And guess what? You probably have most of this in your pantry already. (If not, a quick grocery run is totally worth it—trust me.) Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Not melted, not cold—just soft enough to leave a little dent when you poke it. Pro tip: If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, zap it in the microwave for 10-second bursts until it’s just right.
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Same deal as the butter—room temp is key for that smooth, creamy texture. Full-fat works best here, but hey, if you’re in a pinch, reduced-fat will do.
1 large egg: Also room temp! Cold eggs can make the dough weirdly lumpy, and nobody wants that.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The good stuff—none of that imitation vanilla. Splurge a little; your cookies will thank you.
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix: Yep, cake mix! It’s the secret weapon here. Any brand works, but I’m partial to Betty Crocker for that classic buttery flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: For that snowy, melt-in-your-mouth coating. And yes, you’ll want extra for re-rolling when you inevitably eat a few straight off the tray.
Red and green sprinkles: Or go wild with nonpareils, sanding sugar, or even edible glitter. ‘Tis the season, after all.

See? No fancy ingredients, no weird techniques—just simple, cozy, holiday-ready goodness. Now let’s bake!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these little bundles of holiday joy! Don’t worry, even if you’re a baking newbie, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are foolproof. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a tray of cookies that’ll make your kitchen smell like Santa’s workshop.

Preparing the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to realize halfway through that you forgot this step. (I’ve been there.) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—less cleanup, more cookie-eating time.
Cream the butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until it’s smooth and dreamy. No lumps allowed! A hand mixer works great here, but if you’re feeling ambitious, a wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s fully combined and looks like a pale, creamy cloud. If it’s a little runny, don’t panic—it’ll thicken up.
Gradually add the cake mix. I like to do this in thirds, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be thick and sticky, almost like playdough. If it feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes—but honestly, I usually skip that and dive right in.

Baking the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Pro tip: Lightly wet your hands to keep the dough from sticking. Space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet—they’ll spread a little, but not too much.
Bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges just barely golden, but the centers should still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake. (I know it’s hard.)

Decorating and Serving

Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes—just enough so they won’t burn your fingers. Then, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This creates that gorgeous, crackly sugar coating.
Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles immediately—they’ll stick better while the cookies are warm. Go nuts! More sprinkles = more festive.
Let them cool completely before serving. I know, waiting is torture, but it’s worth it. The texture gets even better as they sit. (Though let’s be real, eating one warm with a glass of milk is a life-changing experience.)

And there you have it—Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies that’ll make you the star of every holiday gathering. Now, try not to eat them all before your guests arrive!

Variations for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

One of the best things about these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies is how easy they are to customize. Seriously, you can mix and match flavors and decorations to make them your own. Here are a few fun twists to try:

Chocolate lovers’ dream: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix. You’ll get rich, fudgy cookies that pair perfectly with the powdered sugar coating. (And maybe add a few chocolate chips to the dough—because why not?)
Citrus zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, tangy twist. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in every bite.
Edible glitter: Want to make these cookies extra magical? Skip the sprinkles and roll the cookies in edible glitter instead. They’ll sparkle like freshly fallen snow.
Nutty goodness: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. It’s a great way to add some texture and make them feel a little fancier.
Peppermint vibes: Add a ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and top the cookies with crushed candy canes. Perfect for a cozy Christmas movie night.

The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting! Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of these variations, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Okay, let’s talk about the best part—eating these cookies! (And, you know, making sure they stay delicious if you somehow manage not to devour them all in one sitting.) Here’s how to serve and store your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies like a pro:

Serving: These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee—seriously, it’s a match made in holiday heaven. Want to fancy them up? Arrange them on a pretty platter with a dusting of extra powdered sugar and a few extra sprinkles for that Instagram-worthy touch.
Storage: Pop them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. (If they last that long.) Pro tip: Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the powdered sugar from sticking together.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these! Just let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and give them a quick roll in powdered sugar before serving—good as new!

There you go—now you can enjoy these cookies fresh, later, or even months down the line. (Though let’s be honest, they probably won’t make it past New Year’s.)

Helpful Notes

Before you dash off to bake these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, here are a few extra tips to guarantee cookie perfection:

Room temp is key: Seriously, don’t skip letting your butter, cream cheese, and egg come to room temperature. Cold ingredients = lumpy dough, and nobody wants that texture surprise.
Undercook slightly: These cookies continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the edges are just golden but the centers still look soft. Overbaking turns them from gooey to hockey pucks—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.
Cooling patience: Let them cool completely before storing, or you’ll end up with a powdered sugar mess (and sad, soggy cookies). I know it’s tough, but distract yourself with some holiday music.
Dietary tweaks: Need gluten-free? Swap in a GF cake mix. Dairy-free? Vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives work surprisingly well here!

Follow these, and you’ll have cookies so good, they might just steal the spotlight from Santa’s milk and cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me (and trust me, I’ve heard ‘em all):

1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Just let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and give them a quick roll in powdered sugar—they’ll taste just as fresh.
2. Can I use a different cake mix?
Of course! Chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake mix works great. Just keep an eye on baking times, as some mixes might need a minute or two less in the oven.
3. My dough is super sticky—help!
No worries! Lightly wet your hands before rolling the dough into balls, or chill the dough for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle. Sticky dough = extra tender cookies, so embrace the mess.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet. Bake them a day or two before your event and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day—if they last that long.
5. Why are my Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies dry?
You probably overbaked them. Remember, they’ll keep setting as they cool, so pull them out when the edges are just golden and the centers are still soft. And don’t skip the powdered sugar—it locks in moisture!

Still stumped? Drop me a comment—I’m happy to help troubleshoot your cookie adventures!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it—my all-time favorite holiday cookie! I hope you’re as excited to make these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies as I am every single year. They truly are the simplest, most joyful treat to whip up during the busy holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, leaving some out for Santa, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a warm cookie and a cup of cocoa, these little guys never fail to deliver that cozy, buttery, festive feeling. Don’t stress about making them perfect—just have fun, get a little messy with the powdered sugar, and soak up all the wonderful smells and smiles they’ll bring to your kitchen. Happy baking, my friends, and may your season be filled with sweetness and joy. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies!

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and chewy Christmas cookies with a rich buttery flavor, topped with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 cup powdered sugar
Red and green sprinkles (for decorating)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the yellow cake mix until fully combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Let cookies cool for 2 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar.
Decorate with red and green sprinkles while still warm.
Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For best texture, avoid overbaking.
Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, butter cookies, holiday baking, easy cookies