Name: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter (softened); 1 package cream cheese (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup confectioners' sugar (divided); 3 teaspoons baking powder; ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles

Introduction to Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, it’s the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that bring a little extra joy to your celebrations. Enter Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies! These cookies are everything you could wish for: soft, chewy, and absolutely packed with flavor. With a luxurious combination of butter and cream cheese, they melt in your mouth, leaving a delightful sweetness on your palate that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit.

What makes Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies so delightful?

One of the best things about these cookies is their ooey-gooey texture, which creates an irresistible contrast against the crunchy layer of confectioners' sugar. They are visually appealing—sprinkled with festive Christmas sprinkles—making them a showstopper on any holiday dessert table. Plus, the process of baking these cookies is as enjoyable as devouring them! The rich aromas of vanilla and buttery goodness fill your kitchen, making it feel warm and inviting, a true hallmark of the season.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a gift, or just to enjoy at home, these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to make your celebrations brighter. Who could resist a cookie that embodies the spirit of Christmas so perfectly?

Ingredients for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Creating the perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) of salted butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, also softened, adding that irresistible creaminess.
1 ½ cups (300 g) of granulated sugar, because who can resist that sweet holiday delight?
1 large egg, at room temperature to help bind your ingredients smoothly.
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, enhancing the cookie's flavor profile.
2 ¼ cups (282 g) of all-purpose flour, for the perfect texture.
1 cup (126 g) of confectioners' sugar, divided for dusting those delectable cookies.
3 teaspoons of baking powder, giving them that sought-after fluffiness.
⅓ cup of Christmas sprinkles to add a festive touch to your holiday treats.

With these ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from delicious cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! For tips on choosing the right butter, check out this helpful guide on salted butter vs. unsalted butter. Enjoy the festive baking!

Preparing Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in baking, and what could be more delightful than Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies? These cookies are rich, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying, making them a favorite treat for both friends and family. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious festive delights!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies:

½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (126 g) confectioners' sugar, divided
3 teaspoons baking powder
⅓ cup festive Christmas sprinkles

Having everything at hand means fewer interruptions during your baking session!

Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a hand-held mixer, beat them together until you have a smooth and creamy texture. This step is crucial as it creates the base for that ooey gooey goodness. The combination of cream cheese and butter not only adds moisture but also contributes to that rich flavor everyone loves.

Incorporate the Sugars and Egg

Next, add in the granulated sugar, then crack in the large egg along with the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is well-blended. The sugars will create a delightful sweetness, while the egg will help bind the dough together. You’ll notice the mixture becoming lighter and fluffier — that’s the magic happening!

Add in the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ cup of confectioners' sugar. Gradually beat this dry mix into the creamed mixture on a low setting. Do this until everything is just combined — overmixing can lead to cookies that are less soft and more cake-like.

Fold in the Festive Sprinkles

This is where the fun begins! Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Not only do these sprinkles add a pop of color, but they also bring that holiday spirit to your cookies. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?

Shape and Prepare the Cookies for Baking

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece in the remaining ½ cup of confectioners' sugar. Place about six dough balls on your lined baking sheets. To ensure they bake evenly, lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.

Bake to Gooey Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes, or until the tops appear dry. The inside should remain soft and gooey, creating that signature texture. After baking, allow the cookies to rest for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack — patience is key here!

And there you have it—your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are ready to delight! Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm beverage, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!

Variations on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When it comes to Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, variations are not only welcome but encouraged! Let’s explore some delightful twists that will elevate your holiday baking experience.

Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Why stop at the classic version? Introducing chocolate chip Christmas cookies! Simply fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before rolling in confectioners’ sugar. The gooeyness combined with the melted chocolate creates a treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Peppermint-Flavored Cookies

If you're in the mood for something festive, try peppermint-flavored cookies! Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to your dough for that refreshing holiday taste. For added flair, toss in some crushed candy canes with the sprinkles before baking. These cookies will be an instant favorite during the season.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect batch of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and creates that delightful gooey texture.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies.
Chill for Best Results: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape without sacrificing that ooey gooey goodness.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies, as they should be just set in the middle when you take them out.

For more on ingredient specifics, visit sites like King Arthur Baking or Food Network. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When it comes to indulging in Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, presentation and pairing can elevate your treat to festive heights! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to create a memorable cookie experience:

Festive Platter: Arrange your cookies on a vibrant holiday platter, adding in some fresh berries or candied citrus peels for color.
Milk Alternatives: Pair these cookies with cold milk, or try almond or oat milk for a tasty twist.
Gift-Worthy Treats: Package them beautifully in a rustic box or mason jar, tied with a festive ribbon, making for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie bar at your holiday gathering with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce for drizzling.

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are not just delicious but can also enhance your holiday celebrations with a touch of creativity and joy! For more inspiration, check out this guide on cookie decorating.

Time breakdown for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing beats the joy of baking Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Let’s break down the time you’ll need to whip up these delightful treats.

Preparation time

Prepare to spend about 15 minutes getting your ingredients ready and mixing your dough. This is when the magic starts—softening the butter and cream cheese, and adding that festive sprinkle!

Baking time

Once your dough is ready and scooped onto your baking sheets, you’re looking at around 8-11 minutes of baking time. You want those cookies to look just right—gently puffed and not too wet on top.

Total time

In total, you should set aside approximately 30 minutes for the entire process, from mixing to baking. A small investment for an unforgettable holiday treat that will surely impress your friends and family!

Baking is not just about the end result; it’s an experience to savor—so tuck in and enjoy the process! If you’re interested in more festive recipes, check out this collection of holiday desserts.

Nutritional Facts for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Calories

Each cookie contains approximately 190 calories, making it a delightful treat that can easily fit into your holiday indulgence. Remember, moderation is key!

Protein

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies offer about 2 grams of protein per cookie. While not a significant source, they can contribute to your daily intake, especially if enjoyed alongside a glass of milk or a dairy alternative!

Sodium

With roughly 100 mg of sodium per cookie, these treats are relatively moderate. It’s a good idea to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, especially during holiday festivities.

For more information on maintaining a balanced diet during the holidays, check out this article on healthy holiday eating. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies!

FAQ about Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Can I substitute cream cheese in the cookies?

If you’re looking to swap out the cream cheese in your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, consider using mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that the flavor might shift slightly, so feel free to experiment with a splash of vanilla or a hint of almond extract to enhance the taste.

How do I store leftover Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh and gooey, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to preserve that perfect texture, layering parchment paper between the cookies can help prevent sticking.

What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?

Freezing is a fantastic option for your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies! Allow them to cool completely, then individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out the air, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature!

Conclusion on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

In conclusion, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies not only embody the spirit of the season with their soft, buttery goodness but also serve as a joyful treat to share with loved ones. Easy to make and stunning to behold, these cookies promise to become a cherished holiday favorite. So gather your ingredients and create some delightful memories in the kitchen!