Unbelievably Soft Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Christmas Lovers Need to Try

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Christmas treats always hit differently, don’t they? The soft, pillowy centers… the powdered-sugar sparkle… the buttery melt-in-your-mouth bliss… it’s honestly the kind of cookie that makes you wonder why we don’t bake these all year long. These little guys aren’t just cookies—they’re full-on holiday moments.

And if you’re here hunting for a foolproof, festive treat that gets rave reviews at cookie swaps, family parties, and casual “I just want something sweet” nights, you’re about to fall in love. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Cookies bring everything you adore about the classic gooey butter cake and wrap it into a soft, chewy, sprinkle-filled cookie you can pop right into your mouth. Dangerous? Yes. Worth it? Always.

Before we dig deep into the how-to, the tips, and all the simple tricks that make this recipe shine, let’s talk about why these cookies are so irresistible in the first place.

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What Makes This Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe So Irresistible?

You know those recipes that instantly feel nostalgic? The ones that make the whole house smell like joy? That’s exactly what these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe delivers.

Here’s why they’re unbelievably addictive:

• They use cake mix, which keeps things quick and consistent.
• The cream cheese makes the texture super soft and unbelievably tender.
• They stay chewy even days after baking.
• You can customize them a hundred different ways (IMO, that’s the best part).
• The powdered-sugar coating gives that signature crackle we all love.

Plus, there’s something so satisfying about biting into a cookie that practically melts the moment it hits your tongue. That’s the power of Gooey Butter Cookies Christmas baking.

And because they’re extra festive with sprinkles, they’re instantly party-ready without any complicated decorating. Seriously—baking doesn’t get easier than this.

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Ingredient List (With Quick + Helpful Notes)

These Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients:

• Cream cheese

Gives that signature gooey softness. Use full-fat brick style for the best results.

• Unsalted butter

Adds richness and helps the cookies stay tender.

• Egg

Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies structure.

• Vanilla extract

A little splash goes a long way.

• Yellow cake mix

This is the secret to consistent, fuss-free cookie dough.

• Powdered sugar

Creates the iconic crackle and adds a snowy Christmas vibe.

• Christmas sprinkles

Because what’s a holiday cookie without some festive sparkle?

These simple ingredients transform into Ooey Gooey Christmas Butter Cookies that truly feel special.

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How to Make These Cookies (Simple + Fast)

Let’s walk through the steps in a breezy, stress-free way—because holiday baking should be fun, not frustrating.

1. Prep the oven

Preheat to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment.

2. Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth. No streaks!

3. Add the cake mix

Stir in the cake mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough. It’ll look dense—totally normal.

4. Fold in the sprinkles

Gently mix them in (no color bleeding, please).

5. Chill the dough

Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Bold tip: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

6. Roll in powdered sugar

Scoop into balls, then coat each one generously.

7. Bake

10–12 minutes is perfect. The edges should be set, but the centers should look soft. That’s how you get the gooey center that makes these Gooey Butter Cake Cookie Recipe winners.

8. Cool + enjoy

Let them cool on the tray before moving them. They’re delicate when hot!

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The Story Behind These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies have major nostalgic energy. You’ve got the gooey butter cake roots (St. Louis folks know what’s up), but now in cookie form. The recipe became popular in Midwest homes decades ago because it was cheap, easy, and delicious—basically the holy trinity of holiday baking.

Many families made a Christmas version as the years went on, tossing in red and green sprinkles or rolling them in powdered sugar like little edible snowballs. That’s exactly what turned them into the beloved Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies we know today.

If you grew up with them, the smell alone feels like childhood.
If you didn’t, welcome—you’re about to start a new tradition.

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Pro Tips for Irresistible Results

Want better-than-bakery quality? These tips make a BIG difference:

• Use room-temperature ingredients

Cream cheese and butter blend smoother this way.

• Don’t overbake

Seriously… don’t. Soft centers equal gooey perfection.

• Chill the dough every time

If it gets too warm while you scoop, stick it back in the fridge.

• Coat heavily in powdered sugar

Light coating = sad, patchy cookies.
Heavy coating = gorgeous snow-dusted crackles.

• Add fresh sprinkles after mixing if needed

Sometimes you lose a few. More sprinkles never hurt.

• Use a cookie scoop

Consistency keeps them baking evenly.

Make these part of your yearly baking lineup and your friends will ask for them every December.

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Fun Variations to Try

Holiday baking is all about creativity, so feel free to play:

• Peppermint twist

Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.

• Chocolate chip upgrade

Mini chips + sprinkles = festive perfection.

• Almond extract

A tiny splash gives a classic bakery-style flavor.

• Red or green dough

Gel coloring works best.

• Sanding sugar coating

Swap powdered sugar for colored sugar for a sparkling, crunchy outside.

Whatever variation you choose, the base of Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies never fails.

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Best Ways to Serve These Cookies

You can’t go wrong, but here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game:

• Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint lattes.
• Add them to a holiday cookie board.
• Wrap them in cellophane bags as simple gifts.
• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey texture (trust me).
• Stack them for a festive cookie-tower centerpiece.

They’re such crowd-pleasers that they disappear fast. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

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Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers

Even though these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Christmas treats stay soft, storing them correctly keeps them perfect.

• Room temperature

Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Freezer

Up to 3 months tightly sealed. Thaw at room temp.

• Don’t refrigerate

The fridge dries them out fast.

• Freeze unbaked dough balls

Roll in powdered sugar AFTER thawing and bake fresh.

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FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

The dough likely wasn’t chilled. Always chill.

Why didn’t my powdered sugar stay white?

That can happen if the dough is too moist or under-coated. Coat heavily.

Can I use white or vanilla cake mix?

Absolutely! They work great and keep the flavor light.

Can I double the recipe?

For sure. These cookies bake beautifully in big batches.

Should they look slightly underbaked?

YES. That’s the whole gooey magic.

Can I skip the sprinkles?

Yep—but then they’ll be plain gooey butter cookies instead of festive ones.

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Final Thoughts

These Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Christmas treats are everything you want during the holidays—soft, festive, quick, nostalgic, and kinda dangerous because it’s impossible to eat just one. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser and the simplest cookie you’ll bake all season.

Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap, gifting them to neighbors, or sneaking half the batch yourself (no judgment), this recipe brings guaranteed cheer.

And who knows… after one bite, these might just become your new yearly tradition. Print