Looking for the perfect Christmas cookie to add to your holiday baking lineup? Look no further than these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies! These soft, buttery cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are topped with festive red and green sprinkles. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Ingredients:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
Red and green sprinkles (for decorating)
1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add the Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the dough, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until it firms up enough to handle.
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the Dough into Balls: Once chilled, roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat evenly.
Add Festive Touch: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few red and green sprinkles onto the top of each ball to give them a fun, festive look.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: These cookies look beautiful on a holiday cookie tray, especially when paired with other festive treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread. For an extra touch, arrange them on a platter with a few sprigs of holly or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the festive look.
Perfect Pairing: Serve with a hot cup of cocoa, eggnog, or warm apple cider for a cozy holiday treat. These cookies also pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk for a classic dessert experience.
Share the Joy: Package a few cookies in clear gift bags with a festive ribbon to share with friends and family as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The soft, gooey texture will remain intact, and the sprinkles will add color and charm for several days.
Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them! Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Let the cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.
Keep Them Moist: If storing in a container, you can add a slice of bread to the container. This helps keep the cookies soft and prevents them from drying out. Just be sure to remove the bread before serving.
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FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll into balls. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it becomes too hard after chilling.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While the classic yellow cake mix creates a soft and sweet flavor perfect for these cookies, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as vanilla or even red velvet, for a unique twist. Keep in mind that changing the flavor may slightly alter the texture or taste of the cookies.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the powdered sugar in the dough or opt for a lighter sprinkle of sugar on the cookie balls. However, note that the sweet taste of the cake mix and cream cheese balance out the flavor, so the sweetness is integral to the final result.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! After baking, let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, and they will taste just as delicious as when first baked!
Conclusion:
Bake a batch of these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies this holiday season, and watch as they become a favorite among friends and family. They are sure to bring joy and cheer to your Christmas celebrations!