1. Cream the Base
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This creates the soft foundation for your cookies.
2. Add Flavor and Structure
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the yellow cake mix. Stir until a thick dough forms—it will be slightly sticky, and that’s exactly what you want.
3. Chill for Perfection
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their round shape while baking.
4. Shape and Coat
Scoop small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. If you’re feeling extra festive, add sprinkles or red & green sanding sugar on top.
5. Bake to Ooey Gooey Goodness
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will look slightly underbaked—that’s what makes them gooey!
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The powdered sugar will give them that magical, snowy Christmas look.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overbake: The gooey texture is the secret. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Make it festive: Mix crushed candy canes or red-green sprinkles into the dough for extra holiday cheer.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—or freeze for longer.
Why They Belong on Your Christmas Table
These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition waiting to happen. Imagine a platter of these powdered-sugar-coated gems sitting next to a mug of hot cocoa or eggnog. They bring together everything the holidays represent: warmth, sweetness, joy, and sharing.
Whether you’re baking with your kids, hosting a Christmas party, or making gifts for neighbors, these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies will light up the season.
Final Bite
The holidays are all about indulgence, laughter, and love—and these cookies deliver all three in every bite. Soft, buttery, and dusted with sugar, they’re proof that the simplest recipes often bring the greatest joy.
So this Christmas, skip the complicated desserts and let these festive Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies steal the spotlight. After all, the best gifts don’t always come wrapped in shiny paper—sometimes, they come fresh from the oven.