1. Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate the Cake Mix:
- Gradually add the boxed cake mix, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps firm up the dough for easier handling.
2. Shape and Roll
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Lightly press the tops into holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
3. Bake the Cookies
- Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The centers should remain soft and gooey.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
- Use Softened Ingredients: Soft butter and cream cheese ensure a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft in the middle. Pull them out as soon as the edges are set.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents it from spreading too much during baking.
- Customize Sprinkles: Use sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion!
Storing the Cookie
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies combine the ease of a boxed cake mix with the richness of cream cheese and butter. Their soft, chewy texture and festive appearance make them a standout treat for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or a cozy night by the fire.
Grab a glass of milk and enjoy the Christmas magic in every bite!