Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that melts in your mouth with buttery richness and a sweet surprise, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies will become your new holiday obsession. Imagine tender, soft cookies with a luscious cream cheese center that’s just the right amount of gooey—each bite is a delightful balance of buttery, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth magic. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or cozy evenings by the fire, these cookies will bring festive joy to any cookie platter and have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect batch of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the light, fragrant notes of vanilla, every element works together to create that irresistible texture and flavor.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds the ooey gooey center that makes these cookies stand out with extra moistness.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and gives the cookies a slight crisp edge where it caramelizes.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and help create a soft, tender texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that provides structure; use fresh for best results.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the cookies a gentle lift for just the right fluffiness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the buttery richness.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a festive, snowy finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly warmed oven is the secret behind that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are known for.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth and creamy. This step is where your cookie’s signature ooey gooey texture is born, so don’t rush it—take your time for a perfectly blended base.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs

Slowly sprinkle in the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined. Then, add the eggs one by one, along with the vanilla extract, making sure everything is smooth and well incorporated. This creates the sweet, tender body for your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients with care, just until everything comes together. Overmixing will make the cookies dense, so gentle is key to keeping them light and tender.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for light golden edges and soft centers. The magic of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies is in that contrast of textures—crispy outside, soft inside.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. A generous dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful snowy touch that’s perfect for the holiday season, making them as pretty as they are delicious.

How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Garnishes

A light sprinkling of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also get creative with colorful sanding sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. These simple touches add elegance and a festive sparkle that enhances your presentation and adds a little crunch to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or a rich coffee. The combination of warm drinks with these tender, buttery cookies creates a cozy, comforting experience that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a decorative holiday platter or stack them in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming edible gift. You can also layer them with wax paper in a tin to keep them fresh if you’re taking them to a holiday party or gifting neighbors and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Proper storage ensures they stay soft and moist, so you don’t lose that coveted gooey texture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Wrapped well, they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive the warmth and ooey gooey softness, pop the cookies into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or a warm oven for a few minutes. This helps bring back that just-baked feeling and makes each bite extra comforting.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted so you can control the salt content precisely. This keeps the balance perfect in your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies and prevents them from tasting too salty.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and margarine, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different. These cookies rely on the cream cheese for that signature gooey center, so choosing high-quality substitutes is key.

Why are my cookies not gooey in the center?

If your cookies bake too long, the centers will firm up and lose that ooey gooey quality. Keep a close eye during baking and remove them once the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles can add texture and fun. Just fold them in gently after combining the dry ingredients so the cookies keep their tender texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better without losing their signature softness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about sharing a plate of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies with friends and family. Their buttery richness combined with that soft, creamy center makes them a standout holiday treat that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why these cookies become a treasured tradition year after year.

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