There’s nothing quite like sharing a platter of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies during the holidays. These cookies absolutely live up to their name, with a pillowy center and festive pops of color in every bite. From the first dusting of powdered sugar to that signature cream cheese tang, every morsel brings gooey comfort to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking with family or whipping up treats for a holiday swap, these cookies capture the magic of Christmas in the simplest, sweetest way.

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies couldn’t be easier to make, but each ingredient plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or festive flair. Let’s give each component a quick spotlight so you know exactly why it belongs in your bowl!

Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): This shortcut brings classic buttery flavor and a soft, tender crumb with zero fuss.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Ensures these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth rich with just the right buttery balance.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret to that irresistible gooey center and subtle tang that sets these cookies apart.
Large Egg (1): Binds everything together for the perfect, scoopable dough.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds comforting, classic warmth to the cookie’s overall profile.
Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): This festive twist is optional, but a little goes a long way for a hint of holiday nostalgia.
Red and Green Food Coloring: Dazzles the dough with classic Christmas cheer—totally customizable to suit your holiday mood.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Gives each cookie its signature crackly, snowy finish and a touch of delicate sweetness.
Holiday Sprinkles (optional): Elevate the festivity with a pop of color and crunch (the more decorative, the merrier!).

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by adding the softened butter and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Beat them together on medium-high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Properly blending these two ensures the cookies bake up extra tender and perfectly gooey in the center—they’re the flavor foundation of every bite!

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla (and almond extract, if you’re feeling extra festive). Mix until everything is velvety and glossy. This step brings all the creamy components together, setting the stage for a dough that’s rich and easy to work with.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix

With your mixer on low, gradually add the dry yellow cake mix. Keep mixing until you see a thick, scoopable dough form. If you’re using a stand mixer, be gentle—the dough will get quite thick! The cake mix adds sweetness and structure needed for those signature ooey gooey cookies.

Step 4: Tint the Dough with Color

Divide your dough into two or three bowls, depending on how many colors you want. Squeeze in the red and green food coloring and mix each portion until vibrant and even. Use gloves or a spatula if you want to avoid stained hands—embracing the colorful, marble-like dough is part of the fun!

Step 5: Chill for Easy Rolling

Cover each bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This makes the dough less sticky, so you can shape it into balls with ease. Chilling also helps the flavors meld and ensures your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies hold their shape in the oven.

Step 6: Shape, Coat, and Bake

Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then tumble each one in powdered sugar until generously coated. Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes—the edges should just start to set, while the centers remain soft and gooey.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack. If you’re adding holiday sprinkles, do it now while the cookies are still warm and slightly tacky—they’ll stick beautifully, adding a merry, sparkly touch.

How to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Garnishes

A dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving gives each cookie that magical snowy finish. If you want to bring even more festive fun, top them with holiday sprinkles in reds, greens, or metallics. A drizzle of white chocolate is a playful touch for cookie plates or dessert trays.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a frosty glass of milk for the ultimate holiday pairing. For a dessert platter, include some chocolate bark or fresh berries for color and contrast—the creamy tang of the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies is a perfect companion to fruit and chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Package cookies in festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with twine for homemade gifts. Arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter for a centerpiece-worthy display or stack them on a tiered stand beside other colorful holiday cookies. Their marbled colors and snowy finish make them the star at any cookie swap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to avoid sticking. If your kitchen runs a little warm, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly, both before and after baking! For unbaked dough, roll into balls (skip the powdered sugar) and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to a month—let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, microwave a cookie for 8 to 10 seconds. This softens them right up without overcooking, making them taste just like they came off the baking tray!

FAQs

Why are my cookies not as gooey as I hoped?

The gooey texture relies on not overbaking—remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look a little soft. Cooling on the tray helps them finish setting without drying out.

Can I double the recipe for a big party?

Absolutely! You can easily double or even triple the Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies recipe. Just divide the colored portions evenly and bake in batches to ensure consistent, even cookies every time.

What’s the best way to make them extra festive?

Besides vibrant food coloring, you can swirl two colors together for a marbled effect or roll the dough balls in crushed peppermint candies along with powdered sugar for added crunch and holiday flavor.

Can I leave out the almond extract?

Definitely—it’s completely optional. The cookies are delicious with just vanilla extract if you prefer a pure buttery flavor. Almond extract adds a delicate holiday aroma that many love, but it’s not essential.

Will these work with other cake mix flavors?

Yes! Try French vanilla, white, or even red velvet cake mix for a fun twist on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Adjust the food coloring as needed, and enjoy experimenting with flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll invite these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies onto your holiday table this year. Their irresistible texture and festive colors always spark smiles, and the easy recipe means you can share the joy with everyone. Give them a try and let the gooey, merry goodness become a tradition in your home!

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe