Nothing says the holidays quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies, and these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies deliver on every festive promise. Their soft, chewy texture, paired with the vibrant crunch of sprinkles and the delicate sweetness of powdered sugar, makes them a standout treat. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, a family gathering, or just to snack on while wrapping presents, these cookies add a magical touch to the holiday season.

I first made these cookies during a chaotic Christmas Eve prep session. Between roasting the turkey and finalizing the table decor, I needed a quick yet showstopping dessert that could impress guests without taking hours to make. Enter these cookies! With a cake mix base and a burst of colorful sprinkles, they turned out to be not only easy but also a huge crowd-pleaser. Santa even left an extra thank-you note that year!

 

 

Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 🧀
• 1 large egg 🥚
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) 🌸
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional) 🍊

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 package white cake mix 🍰
• 1/2 cup sprinkles, divided 🌈
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍚

 

Instructions:

1️⃣ Creaming the Base:

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy. This forms the luscious foundation of your cookies.

2️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients:

Crack in the egg and pour in the almond and orange extracts, if using. Mix until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. The extracts add a subtle hint of holiday magic, but they’re optional.

3️⃣ Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the white cake mix to the bowl, mixing continuously. The dough should come together as a smooth, slightly sticky ball.

4️⃣ Add the Sprinkles:

Fold in 1/4 cup of the sprinkles gently with a spatula to ensure an even distribution without crushing the sprinkles.

5️⃣ Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This step makes the dough easier to handle and ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.

6️⃣ Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper.

7️⃣ Prepare the Coatings:

Place the powdered sugar in one shallow bowl and the remaining 1/4 cup of sprinkles in another. These will be used to coat the cookies.

8️⃣ Shape the Cookies:

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they’re well-coated, and then sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top for a festive finish.

9️⃣ Bake the Cookies:

Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set on the edges but still soft in the center.

🔟 Cool Completely:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to sneak one while they’re still warm—powdered sugar everywhere!

 

 

Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Make the dough the day before and refrigerate overnight to save time during holiday baking rushes.
• Flavor Swaps: Try peppermint extract for a candy-cane-inspired twist or stick to classic vanilla for a more traditional taste.
• Perfect Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month to enjoy long after the holidays.

 

Serving Suggestions:

These cookies are gorgeous on a holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread men and chocolate crinkle cookies. Pair them with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate Christmas treat. They also make an excellent gift—package them in a festive tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for an extra-special touch.

 

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of the season. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture is complemented by the crunch of sprinkles and the dusting of powdered sugar, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with kids, or leaving a plate out for Santa, these cookies bring festive cheer to any occasion. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some holiday magic! 🎅✨