There’s something magical about the smell of warm butter cookies baking in the oven during the holidays. These Soft & Chewy Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and rolled in powdered sugar that cracks into a snowy, festive finish.
Whether you’re baking with your kids, making treats for neighbors, or preparing a plate for Santa — these cookies deliver the cozy, buttery goodness of homemade comfort with almost no effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: Red and green sprinkles for a Christmas touch 🎅
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare your dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. - Add flavor and base:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. - Add the cake mix:
Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky — that’s what makes it gooey and soft later! - Chill the dough:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This helps the dough firm up for easy rolling. - Form the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. - Bake:
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly cracked. - Cool and enjoy:
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, sprinkle with a little extra powdered sugar or festive sprinkles if desired!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should still look a little soft in the center — they’ll set as they cool.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Red Velvet Version: Use red velvet cake mix for a festive twist.
- Lemon Gooey Cookies: Swap the yellow cake mix for lemon and add a little lemon zest.
- Chocolate Lovers: Try chocolate cake mix with a drizzle of white chocolate on top!
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a “freshly snowed” look.
- Pair with hot cocoa, milk, or herbal tea for a cozy Christmas treat.
- Stack them in a holiday tin and gift them to friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Conclusion
These Soft & Chewy Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the kind of treat that brings everyone together — simple, nostalgic, and deliciously sweet. Whether you bake them for a holiday party or a quiet night in, they’ll make your kitchen smell like Christmas magic. So preheat that oven and give these a try — you’ll be baking them every December from now on!