There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The scents wafting through the house, the laughter of family gathered in the kitchen—it all brings back such warm memories. And let me tell you, my absolute favorite treat to whip up are these christmas ooey gooey butter cookies. They’re the perfect mix of soft, chewy, and sweet, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. I remember my grandma and I would bake these together every Christmas, and now I get to share the joy with my own family. Trust me, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg (yes, another one!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare *Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies*
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven means perfectly baked cookies!
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, grab your yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix them together until everything is well-blended. You’re looking for a thick, slightly sticky dough that holds together nicely. It should feel a bit like cake batter but thicker—oh, the anticipation!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Now, in another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Make sure that cream cheese is really softened; it makes all the difference! You want a smooth, creamy mixture that’s both luscious and rich.
Combine the Mixtures
Next, fold the cream cheese mixture into the cake mix dough. Stir gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough to achieve a delightful, cohesive dough that looks a little glossy and inviting!
Shape and Bake
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space to spread out a bit while baking. Pop those beauties into the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set—trust me, you’ll want to keep an eye on them!
Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re cool to the touch, dust them with powdered sugar. This not only adds a sweet touch but also makes them look like little snowy treasures—perfect for the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth—every bite is a delight!
- Festive flavors from the vanilla and almond extracts that scream holiday cheer.
- Great for sharing at gatherings, making you the star of any cookie exchange.
- Kids and adults alike will love them—trust me, they disappear fast!
Tips for Success
To ensure your christmas ooey gooey butter cookies turn out just right, here are my go-to tips. First, double-check your oven temperature; an accurate oven makes all the difference! I also recommend using fresh ingredients, especially the baking essentials like eggs and cream cheese. Trust me, they really enhance the flavor. And remember, don’t overmix the dough when combining the mixtures—this keeps your cookies soft and chewy. Lastly, if you want those perfect edges, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so adjust as needed for your perfect batch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your christmas ooey gooey butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and pop them in the freezer. They can last for up to three months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—unless you want that warm, gooey goodness again, in which case, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave does the trick!
Nutritional Information
These christmas ooey gooey butter cookies are not only delicious but also surprisingly manageable in terms of nutrition. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so enjoy them as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While I love the classic yellow cake mix, you can experiment with chocolate or red velvet for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on the flavors of the extracts to match!
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Don’t worry if you’re out of almond extract! You can either skip it or use a splash of additional vanilla extract. It’ll still taste delicious!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Check for golden edges and set centers. If they look slightly underbaked in the middle, that’s perfect; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them as mentioned earlier!
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies to Delight You Today
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until combined.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, remaining egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Combine both mixtures and stir until well blended.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles.
- These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas ooey gooey butter cookies, holiday cookies, festive desserts