Santa’s Favorite! Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe | Easy Holiday Treats

Table of Contents: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Tired of fussy holiday baking but still want show-stopping, delicious treats? For home cooks aged 40–65+, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies deliver all the festive flavor and gooey texture without the stress. With just 6 ingredients and minimal effort, this foolproof recipe gives you tender, rich cookies that melt in your mouth—perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or a cozy Christmas Eve with the family. Using a box of white cake mix, you get bakery-quality results in under 30 minutes. It’s not just easy—it’s unforgettable.

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Introduction: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Few desserts capture the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season quite like Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. These soft, chewy, and unmistakably gooey treats have become a beloved staple in American holiday baking. What makes them so special? A creamy base made from sweet cream cheese and butter, combined with the simplicity of white cake mix, creates a cookie that’s rich, decadent, and full of festive charm. The result? A tender crumb with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth center—proof that gooey butter cookies are more than just a trend—they’re a tradition.

Perfect for busy holiday schedules, this recipe qualifies as easy Christmas cookies that even first-time bakers can master. Whether you’re assembling a cookie platter for a neighborhood swap, preparing treats for Santa, or enjoying a hot cocoa night by the fireplace, these cake mix cookies deliver big flavor with minimal cleanup. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable with sprinkles, spices, and optional flavor extracts. From Thanksgiving dinner leftovers to New Year’s Eve celebrations, this is easy comfort food for family dinners that brings everyone back for seconds. No special tools or techniques needed—just simple ingredients and holiday joy in every bite.

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Alternate Names & Variations

You might know this crowd-pleaser by several names, including easy gooey cream cheese cookies, festive cake mix cookies, or homemade butter cake cookies. It’s also a close cousin to the famous St. Louis-style Gooey Butter Cake, transformed into portable, bite-sized delights. If you’ve searched for “Christmas sprinkle butter cookies” or “quick holiday desserts with cake mix”, you’re in the right place. For a twist, try making Peppermint Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies or Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies—both use the same base with seasonal extracts. The possibilities are endless, making these gooey butter cookies a true chameleon in the kitchen.

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Ingredients: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Gather these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create the most addictive easy Christmas cookies ever:

• – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (for rich, creamy texture)
• – 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature (key for that gooey center)
• – 1 large fresh egg (bind and add tenderness)
• – 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract, optional (adds warmth and depth)
• – 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract, optional (brings bright, citrusy holiday zing)
• – 1 package (15.25 oz) white cake mix (the secret shortcut to soft, cake-like cookies)
• – 1/2 cup festive Christmas sprinkles, divided (red, green, and white for holiday flair)
• – 1/2 cup smooth powdered sugar, sifted (creates a sweet, snowy coating)

Note: For best results, bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.

3. Add the egg, almond extract, and orange extract (if using). Mix on medium speed until fully combined and slightly fluffy.

4. Gradually add the white cake mix in three batches, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing can toughen the dough. It will be thick—almost like pound cake batter—which is perfect.

5. Fold in 1/4 cup of the festive sprinkles using a spatula. Save the rest for rolling later.

6. Using a cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size), roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, then press gently into the remaining 1/4 cup sprinkles for a colorful, sparkling top.

7. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Pro tip: Chill dough balls for 10 minutes before baking for more defined shape and less spreading.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes—do not overbake. The edges should be just set, but the centers will still look soft and pale. That’s where the magic lies!

9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They firm up slightly as they cool, staying pillowy soft in the middle.

10. Serve warm or at room temperature. For extra nostalgia, pair with a glass of cold milk or mulled wine.

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes 10 minutes to prep, bakes in 10–12 minutes, and has a total time of 25 minutes. It yields approximately 36 cookies—perfect for sharing or freezing. Each cookie contains roughly 120 calories, making it a sweet but mindful holiday indulgence. A crowd-favorite among cake mix cookies, it’s also a top pick for easy Christmas cookies and gooey butter cookies lovers alike.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of cream cheese richness and cake mix sweetness, creating a texture that’s both gooey and tender—never dry. The powdered sugar coating adds a delicate sweetness and sparkle, while festive sprinkles elevate them to true holiday status. Using cake mix cookies as a base is the ultimate time-saver, blending the convenience of boxed ingredients with homemade flavor.

These cookies are a prime example of easy comfort food for family dinners—minimal effort, maximum joy. The optional almond and orange extracts add a gourmet touch without complicating the process. Chef Tip: For a deeper flavor, use cake mix with real vanilla flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, replace 1/4 cup of cake mix with all-purpose flour. And remember—underbaking is your friend! A slightly undercooked center delivers that signature gooey bite. Store leftovers properly, and they’ll stay soft for days.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

To keep your easy Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. These gooey butter cookies freeze exceptionally well—wrap individual cookies in plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, or briefly warm in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

For baking from frozen: Add 1–2 minutes to the bake time, but still remove them when centers look soft. Perfect for make-ahead holiday desserts, these cake mix cookies ensure you’re always ready for unexpected guests or last-minute cookie needs. Reheat gently—never microwave more than 10 seconds—to preserve the gooey center.

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People Also Ask: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

What are ooey gooey butter cookies?

Ooey gooey butter cookies are ultra-soft, rich cookies made with cream cheese and butter for a silky, melt-in-your-mouth center. Unlike traditional cookies, they stay tender and slightly underbaked for that signature “gooeyness.” The base often includes white cake mix, making them incredibly easy to prepare. Popular during holidays, especially as easy Christmas cookies, they’re beloved for their decadent texture and simple ingredient list. The name says it all—gooey, buttery, and deeply satisfying. These treats bridge the gap between pie and cookie, offering a luxurious bite perfect for gifting or celebrating.

How do you make Christmas ooey gooey butter cookies?

To make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, start by creaming butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add an egg and optional almond or orange extract for festive flavor. Blend in a box of white cake mix, then fold in half the sprinkles. Roll dough balls in powdered sugar and remaining sprinkles, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, and let cool slightly. The trick is not overbaking—they should look soft in the center. This creates easy Christmas cookies with a gooey interior and sweet, sparkly exterior using simple grocery store ingredients.

What makes them ooey gooey?

The cream cheese and butter duo is what creates that irresistible ooey gooey texture. Cream cheese adds moisture and tang, while butter contributes richness and a soft crumb. Combined with cake mix cookies technology—designed to be tender and light—the dough stays underdone in the center after baking. That delicate balance of moisture, fat, and temperature results in a cookie that’s firm outside, luxurious inside. Underbaking by just a minute or two preserves the soft core, making each bite a buttery, melty experience. It’s science, but it tastes like holiday magic.

Can you add festive flavors to these cookies?

Absolutely! While the base recipe is delicious on its own, these easy Christmas cookies love festive upgrades. Try replacing almond extract with 1/2 teaspoon peppermint or nutmeg for a cool or spiced twist. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon eggnog extract for cozy holiday warmth. For a citrusy spark, keep the orange extract and add a teaspoon of candied orange zest. You can also stir in white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for crunch. With cake mix cookies, creativity has no limits—just keep extracts to 1/2 teaspoon max to avoid overpowering.

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Conclusion: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

There’s something truly magical about a cookie that’s both easy enough for a weeknight and festive enough for Santa. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies check every box—simple ingredients, zero hassle, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a longtime fan of gooey butter cookies or trying cake mix cookies for the first time, this recipe is destined to become a holiday classic. Light, tender, and packed with holiday joy, they’re guaranteed to disappear as fast as they’re made.

We invite you to bake a batch this season and share the love. Snap a photo, tag us, or leave a comment below telling us your secret flavoring twist. After all, the best holiday memories start in the kitchen—with treats that bring everyone together. Try these today, and savor the season, one gooey bite at a time.

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