Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
There's something magical about the way these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies melt in your mouth, leaving behind a rich, buttery sweetness dusted with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles. Home cooks adore them for their simplicity and the way they fill the house with the warmth of the holidays. Whether you're baking for a cookie swap, a festive cookie exchange, or just want to treat your family to a little extra joy, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their soft, pillowy centers and slightly crisp edges make them irresistible-no one can resist reaching for just one more.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- The secret to their gooey texture lies in the generous amount of cream cheese and butter, creating a rich, velvety dough that bakes into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
- Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking gives them a delicate, snowy coating, reminiscent of a freshly fallen Christmas morning.
- These cookies are over-the-top festive with the addition of colored sprinkles, making them a visually stunning treat perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these require no chilling time, allowing you to bake them fresh and warm whenever the holiday spirit strikes.
Ingredients
1 stick(1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
8 ouncescream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cupsgranulated sugar
1 largeegg, at room temperature
1 teaspoonvanilla extract
2 1/4 cupsall-purpose flour
3 teaspoonsbaking powder
1 cupconfectioners' sugar, divided
Colored sprinkles, as desired
Nutrition
430 caloriesCalories
Per serving · Values are estimates
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together using a hand-held mixer until smooth and well combined.
3
Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending until fully integrated.
4
Add the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5
Gently fold in colored sprinkles until just distributed throughout the dough without overmixing.
6
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough. Roll each portion in the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar to coat completely.
7
Place about 6 dough balls per lined sheet. Slightly flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass or your palm.
8
Bake cookies for 8–11 minutes, or until tops appear set and no longer wet. Avoid overbaking to maintain a gooey texture.
9
Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Essential Tips
Room temperature ingredients
Ensure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Cold ingredients won't blend properly, leaving your cookies with a grainy texture.
Don't overmix the dough
Overmixing after adding the flour can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together to maintain that signature soft, tender crumb.
Even dough portions
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough for consistency in size and bake time. This ensures even cooking and a uniform look on your holiday platter.
Slightly flatten before baking
Gently pressing the dough balls with your palm or a glass helps them spread evenly in the oven, preventing lopsided cookies and promoting uniform baking.
Rest before transferring
Letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking allows them to set slightly, preventing breakage when you move them to a cooling rack.
Smart Swaps & Variations
Chocolate-Dipped
Dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint or holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Citrus Zest
Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness.
Nuts
Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the gooey texture.
Gluten-Free
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What to Serve With This
- Pair with a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy holiday treat.
- Serve alongside a charcuterie board featuring sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and candied pecans for a festive appetizer.
- Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that kids and adults alike will love.
- Present them on a tiered serving tray with other holiday cookies for a stunning dessert display.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid stacking them directly to prevent the delicate texture from being crushed.
Reheating
To restore the gooey texture, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 5-10 seconds, but be cautious as they can become overly soft.
Expert Chef Tips
- For an extra gooey center, slightly underbake the cookies by 1 minute and let them cool on the baking sheet. The residual heat will continue cooking them to perfection.
- Use a kitchen scale to measure the powdered sugar for the coating to ensure even distribution and consistent texture in every cookie.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This makes handling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Hand-held electric mixer or stand mixer
- 2-tablespoon cookie scoop
- Large mixing bowls
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling racks
Nutritional Benefits
- Each cookie contains approximately 430 calories, with a high fat content from the butter and cream cheese, making them a rich treat best enjoyed in moderation.
- The cookies provide a moderate amount of protein from the egg and cream cheese, which helps balance the high sugar content.
- While these cookies are high in saturated fats, they can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed as an occasional indulgence during the holiday season.
- The powdered sugar coating adds simple carbohydrates, so consider dusting lightly or using a sugar-free alternative if you're watching your sugar intake.
Reviews
No written reviews yet — be the first to cook this and share how it turned out!
Leave a Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookies up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Reheat as needed to restore their fresh-baked texture. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What's the best way to soften the cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a faster method, microwave the cubes in 5-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between each burst until soft.
Can I substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar?
While you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar, it will alter the flavor and texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel note, which may make the cookies denser. Stick with granulated sugar for the best results.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Spreading occurs if the dough is too warm or if the butter is too soft. Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, avoid overbaking, as this can cause further spreading.
Can I make these cookies without sprinkles?
Absolutely! Omit the sprinkles or replace them with finely chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or apricots, for a festive touch without the added sugar. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar coating from falling off?
Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar immediately after shaping to ensure the sugar adheres properly. If the sugar doesn't stick well, lightly mist the dough balls with water before rolling.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dough to balance the flavors. This ensures the cookies don't taste bland.
What's the best way to mix the dough by hand?
If you don't have a hand mixer, use a large bowl and a sturdy whisk. Beat the butter and cream cheese together vigorously until smooth, then gradually add the sugar and mix well before incorporating the remaining ingredients.
More Christmas
🔒 From the Vault — 43,000+ premium recipes
Cook This Next