Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15.25 oz) box white or yellow cake mix
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
• Holiday sprinkles (red, green, or multi-colored)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. 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).
2. Add Egg and Vanilla:
   • Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
3. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Lightly press the tops into holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. 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.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
5. Use Softened Ingredients: Soft butter and cream cheese ensure a smooth, creamy dough.
6. Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft in the middle. Pull them out as soon as the edges are set.
7. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents it from spreading too much during baking.
8. Customize Sprinkles: Use sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion!
9. Storing the Cookie
10. At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
11. In the Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week for extended freshness.
12. Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
13. Why You’ll Love These Cookies
14. 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.