Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

By Tyla | Last modified on Nov 30, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

There’s something truly magical about Christmas cookies, especially ones that are delightfully soft and ooey gooey at the center. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies perfectly capture that festive spirit with their buttery richness and chewy texture, creating a comforting treat that warms your heart with every bite. They’re not just cookies; they’re a holiday experience you can share with loved ones around any festive table.

Decked out with cheerful red and green sprinkles, these cookies add an inviting splash of color and fun to your holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a party or creating a seasonal tradition, this simple recipe promises a deliciously satisfying result with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, perfect for any holiday occasion.
Easy-to-make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Festive decoration adds fun and color to your Christmas celebrations.
Quick baking time means you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich creaminess and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor for gooey softness inside.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together while contributing to cookie structure and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet, aromatic notes.
Yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): The foundation for these cookies, delivering sweetness and soft texture.
Powdered sugar: Used for coating, giving cookies a delicate sweetness and smooth finish.
Red and green sprinkles: Festive decoration adds holiday color and extra sweetness.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This step helps your cookies bake evenly with a smooth bottom.
Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, Egg, and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. This blending step creates a luxuriously smooth base for the cookie dough.
Incorporate Yellow Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The cake mix provides structure and sweetness, transforming the mixture into a soft, pliable dough perfect for rolling.
Shape and Coat Cookie Dough: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then gently roll each ball in powdered sugar. This coating adds a sweet crinkly outer shell and prevents sticking during baking.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading without crowding.
Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. This short baking time ensures they stay soft and gooey in the center.
Decorate with Sprinkles Immediately: Remove cookies from the oven and quickly press red and green sprinkles on top before they cool. The warmth helps the sprinkles stick and adds festive flair.
Cool Before Serving: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling enhances texture and prevents breakage.

You Must Know

Using softened butter and cream cheese is key for smooth dough and tender cookies.
Don’t overbake; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but soft inside.
Enjoy these cookies fresh for best ooey-gooey texture, but they can be frozen for later.

Storage Tips

Store your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their soft texture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months and thaw before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these festive cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider for a cozy holiday treat. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of additional powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Professional Tips

Softening butter and cream cheese at room temperature ensures easy mixing without lumps.
Rolling dough balls evenly and coating well with powdered sugar creates a striking crackled appearance.
For extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon almond extract along with vanilla for a subtle nutty twist.

FAQs

Can I use any cake mix flavor?: Yellow cake mix works best for the traditional buttery flavor, but you can experiment with white or butter cake mixes for subtle variations.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?: You would need to use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to ensure the cookies are safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?: Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.
Can I add nuts to the dough?: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded in before baking for added texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?: Chilling is not required for this recipe; baking immediately after preparation yields the best ooey gooey texture.
What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?: After cooling completely, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a resealable freezer bag.
Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?: Cream cheese is essential for the gooey texture and tangy flavor; omitting it will change the cookie’s texture significantly.