I remember the first time I baked Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies—an easy cake mix version that saved me on a super busy holiday week. The kitchen filled with warmth, and my family loved that sweet, soft treat. These cookies quickly became my holiday favorite, especially since the cake mix method only takes about 30 minutes of prep time. Let me show you how to make them happen effortlessly!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Adore These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
- Perfect for every skill level—from total beginners to experienced bakers.
- Foolproof recipe that guarantees soft, chewy, and crinkle-coated cookies every time.
- Ideal for holiday cookie exchanges and festive gift-giving.
- Includes troubleshooting tips to fix common cookie problems like spreading or flatness.
- Offers both a quick cake mix method and a rich, from-scratch version for baking purists.
What Exactly Are Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
These delightful cookies trace back to the famous St. Louis ooey gooey butter cake. They boast a soft, brownie-like center that’s chewy and tender, with a crisp, powdered-sugar crinkle exterior. Their unique texture and sweet buttery flavor make them a perfect Christmas treat to share with loved ones.
Cake Mix vs. From Scratch: Which Version is for You?
The Quick & Easy Cake Mix Version is all about convenience and speed. It’s fantastic for busy days, beginners, or when you want your kids to join in safely. This method delivers consistent, melt-in-your-mouth results without much fuss.
If you prefer more control over ingredients and adore that deep butter flavor, the Rich From-Scratch Version is your go-to. It offers baker’s pride and the chance to customize every detail. Plus, you’ll notice a touch richer taste and texture, much like an ultimate fluffy cinnamon French toast. Photos in this post will show you the difference between both!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Cookies
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: For smooth, fluffy mixing of butter and cream cheese.
- Baking sheets: Provide even heat for perfect baking.
- Parchment paper or Silpat mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size, helping them bake evenly.
Having these tools on hand simplifies the process and guarantees consistent, beautiful cookies.
Ingredients for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies call for simple ingredients. The real magic comes from cream cheese, which gives the dough tenderness and a signature tang, and butter, which must be softened—not melted—to keep the texture just right.
For the Easy Cake Mix Version:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any flavor of cake mix that you want)
- 1/2 cup of softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 egg
- powdered sugar
- Holiday sprinkles
For the From-Scratch Version:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- powdered sugar for rolling
- Holiday sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)
I’ll guide you through easy and fun steps for both methods, each with helpful tips to get you baking confidently.
Method 1: The Quick & Easy Cake Mix Recipe
- Beat together the butter, vanilla, egg, and cream cheese until fluffy and fully combined. This creates a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add in the cake mix and blend until the mixture is well-incorporated. This makes a thick, rich dough.
- Put in the fridge and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling is key to prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Roll into balls in holiday sprinkles, then dip in powdered sugar to coat completely. This powdery coating gives the signature crinkle look.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
Method 2: The Classic From-Scratch Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixer, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sugar and beat until light, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour to prevent spreading.
- Roll dough into balls, coat generously in holiday sprinkles, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Cool briefly before moving to a wire rack.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Cookie Perfection
How to Get That Perfect Crinkle Finish
Make sure to coat your dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking. This thick coating cracks beautifully as the cookies expand. Avoid overbaking so the soft center helps create those iconic crinkles.
Help! Why Did My Cookies Spread and Go Flat?
Three common reasons:
- Dough wasn’t chilled long enough; chilling tightens the dough to prevent spreading.
- Butter was too soft or melted; always use softened but firm butter.
- Baking sheet was warm from a previous batch; cool it completely before making another batch.
For Maximum “Ooey Gooey” Texture
Pull cookies from the oven when edges are set and slightly golden but the centers still look soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool, giving you that perfectly soft, gooey center.
Fun Flavor Variations
Customizing these cookies is a breeze! Here are some festive ideas using different cake mix bases:
| Variation Name | Cake Mix Base | Additions & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Peppermint Chocolate | Devil’s Food or Chocolate Fudge | Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract. Roll in crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles. |
| Red Velvet | Red Velvet Cake Mix | Use white chocolate chips mixed into the dough for extra decadence. |
| Lemon | Lemon Cake Mix | Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor. |
| Grinch Cookies | Yellow Cake Mix | Add green food coloring. After rolling in sugar, press one red heart sprinkle into the center before baking. |
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Guide
Storing Baked Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies
After cookies cool completely, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Making the Dough Ahead of Time (Freezing Dough)
Scoop and roll dough balls, then freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to your bake time for perfect results.
Gifting and Packaging Ideas
- Use holiday-themed tins lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation.
- Pack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for personal touches.
- Arrange cookies in small bakery boxes with decorative tissue for an elegant gift.
These simple ideas turn your cookies into treasured holiday presents.
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the cake mix and mix on low just until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Cover and chill the dough for 30–60 minutes until firm enough to scoop.
- Scoop dough, roll each ball in holiday sprinkles, then coat generously in powdered sugar to cover.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are just set. Cool on the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for tenderness and flavor; omitting it will change texture and taste significantly.
What happens if I use a different size box of cake mix?
Using a larger or smaller box will affect dough consistency. Stick to the specified amount for best results or adjust other ingredients proportionally.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free cake mix or certified gluten-free flour blend in the from-scratch version works well.
How do you properly measure flour for the from-scratch version?
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife; avoid scooping directly with the cup to prevent packing.
More Festive Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
Explore these other favorites from Aisha Recipes to sweeten your holidays:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Air Fryer Gingerbread Men
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sauce
- No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake Bites
Conclusion
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are your new holiday go-to—simple, joyful, and absolutely delicious whether you choose the quick cake mix version or the classic from-scratch method. Which version are you trying first? I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and spread the holiday cheer.
