Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies filled with colorful holiday sprinkles and coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar. Made with butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and a simple homemade cookie dough, these festive treats have a wonderfully tender texture and a sweet flavor that makes them perfect for the Christmas season.
Unlike traditional butter cookies, these cookies have a soft, almost cake-like center with a slightly delicate exterior. The cream cheese adds richness and helps create their signature gooey texture, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful snowy appearance.
Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 21 minutes, making it a convenient option for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or a cozy afternoon in the kitchen. With red, green, and other colorful Christmas sprinkles mixed throughout, these cookies look as festive as they taste.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
- Soft and gooey centers: Butter and cream cheese create a rich, tender texture that practically melts in your mouth.
- Festive Christmas colors: Holiday sprinkles add bright pops of color to every cookie.
- Made from scratch: Unlike recipes that rely on cake mix, this version uses a homemade dough made with everyday baking ingredients.
- Quick and easy: The preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, followed by a short baking time.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: These cookies are wonderful for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, dessert trays, and homemade gifts.
- A snowy powdered sugar coating: Rolling the dough balls in confectioners’ sugar creates the classic sweet finish that makes these cookies so appealing.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the unbaked dough or the finished cookies to make holiday preparation easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create cookies with a rich buttery flavor and a soft, gooey center.
Salted Butter
You’ll need 1/2 cup, equivalent to 1 stick or 113 grams, of softened salted butter. Butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender texture.
Allow the butter to soften before mixing so it combines smoothly with the cream cheese and sugar.
Cream Cheese
Use one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese. This is one of the key ingredients responsible for the cookies’ signature soft texture and rich flavor.
For the smoothest dough, let the cream cheese soften before beating it with the butter.
Granulated Sugar
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups, or 300 grams, of granulated sugar. It sweetens the dough and helps create the cookies’ delicate texture.
Egg
One large egg, preferably at room temperature, helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract
One teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the buttery, creamy flavor.
All-Purpose Flour
You’ll need 2 1/4 cups, or 282 grams, of all-purpose flour. Flour provides the structure needed to hold the soft dough together.
Confectioners’ Sugar
Use 1 cup, or 126 grams, of confectioners’ sugar, divided into two portions.
- 1/2 cup for the dough: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup for coating: Gives the dough balls their signature powdered sugar exterior.
Baking Powder
Three teaspoons of baking powder help the cookies rise as they bake.
Christmas Sprinkles
Use 1/3 cup of Christmas sprinkles to add festive color and a cheerful holiday appearance. Choose your favorite red, green, white, or multicolored sprinkles.
Equipment Needed
Before you begin, gather these basic baking tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand-held electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons or a kitchen scale
- Rubber spatula or mixing spoon
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Two-tablespoon cookie scoop
- Small bowl for confectioners’ sugar
- Wire cooling rack
- Drinking glass or your hand for gently flattening the dough balls
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies are simple to prepare, and the dough does not need to be refrigerated before baking. Follow the steps below for soft, festive cookies with a sweet powdered sugar coating.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to transfer the cookies after baking.
Prepare your baking sheets before mixing the dough so they’re ready when you begin shaping the cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held mixer to beat the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until blended.
The mixture should become smooth and evenly combined. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are soft enough to mix easily, as this helps prevent lumps in the dough.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Beat until the ingredients are incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the butter and cream cheese.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 cup of the confectioners’ sugar to the bowl.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until combined.
Mix just until the ingredients come together. The dough should be soft enough to scoop and roll.
Remember to reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar for coating the cookie dough balls.
Step 5: Fold in the Christmas Sprinkles
Add the 1/3 cup of Christmas sprinkles to the dough.
Using a spatula or mixing spoon, gently fold them in until they’re evenly distributed.
Avoid overmixing at this stage. Folding the sprinkles in gently helps keep their colors distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Coat the Dough
Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into individual balls.
Roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar until coated.
The powdered sugar creates the cookies’ classic snowy finish and adds sweetness to the exterior.
Step 7: Arrange and Flatten the Cookies
Place approximately six dough balls on each parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Using the bottom of a glass or your hand, gently flatten each dough ball slightly.
The cookies need room to spread as they bake, so avoid overcrowding the baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake Until Set
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8–11 minutes, or until the tops no longer appear wet.
These cookies are meant to remain soft, so avoid waiting for them to become deeply golden or firm throughout. Overbaking can take away from their signature gooey texture.
Because oven temperatures and cookie sizes can vary, begin checking them toward the earlier end of the baking window.
Step 9: Let the Cookies Cool
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to rest for approximately five minutes.
They will be delicate while hot, so give them time to set before transferring them.
Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
Once cooled, the cookies are ready to serve, share, or package for holiday gifts.
Tips for the Best Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Use softened butter and cream cheese. Softened ingredients blend more easily, helping create a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
Don’t refrigerate the dough. This recipe is designed to be baked without chilling the dough first. Chilling solidifies the fat, causing it to melt more slowly in the oven and helping cookies spread less. The original recipe specifically recommends skipping refrigeration for these cookies.
Use confectioners’ sugar in the dough and on the outside. The recipe divides the sugar between the dough and the coating. The portion mixed into the dough contributes to the cookies’ soft, gooey texture, while the outer coating gives them their signature finish.
Mix the dry ingredients on low speed. Gradually incorporating the flour, baking powder, and confectioners’ sugar helps combine everything without unnecessarily working the dough.
Fold the sprinkles in gently. Add the Christmas sprinkles after the main dough is mixed and fold until just incorporated.
Measure the dough consistently. A two-tablespoon cookie scoop helps produce cookies of a similar size, making it easier for them to bake evenly.
Leave enough space between the dough balls. The recipe recommends placing approximately six dough balls on each lined baking sheet.
Watch the baking time carefully. Bake for 8–11 minutes, stopping when the tops no longer look wet. The centers should remain soft.
Allow the cookies to rest before moving them. Five minutes on the baking sheet gives the delicate cookies time to set before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Why You Shouldn’t Chill the Dough
Many cookie recipes recommend refrigerating the dough before baking, but these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are an exception.
When cookie dough is chilled, the fat solidifies. Once the cookies enter the oven, the cold fat takes longer to melt, allowing the cookies to remain firm for longer and generally reducing how much they spread.
For this recipe, the original instructions specifically recommend baking without refrigerating the dough. This keeps the preparation straightforward and eliminates an extra waiting period.
If you’re making the cookies according to the recipe, scoop, coat, flatten slightly, and bake the dough directly after mixing.
Christmas Sprinkle Ideas
Christmas sprinkles give these cookies their festive appearance, making them especially attractive on holiday dessert tables.
You can use a traditional combination of red, green, and white sprinkles for a classic Christmas look. Multicolored holiday sprinkles also work well and add plenty of color to the soft cookie centers.
For cookie exchanges, consider using a consistent sprinkle combination throughout the batch so the cookies look coordinated when arranged on a serving platter.
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of Christmas sprinkles, so measure that amount before folding them into the dough.
How to Store Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Proper storage helps keep these cookies soft and enjoyable after baking.
At Room Temperature
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them.
Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. According to the original recipe, they will last approximately 2–3 days.
Allowing the cookies to cool fully before storing them helps prevent trapped warmth from creating excess moisture inside the container.
Can You Freeze the Baked Cookies?
Yes. You can freeze the cookies after baking.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the cookies are frozen.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
- Label the bag with the cookie name and date.
The baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to four weeks.
Can You Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes. Freezing the dough is the preferred method described in the original recipe.
- Scoop the dough into individual cookie portions.
- Arrange the dough portions on a baking sheet. They can be placed close together for this initial freezing step.
- Freeze for approximately 30 minutes, until the dough portions are chilled through.
- Transfer them to an airtight freezer bag.
- Label the bag with the cookie name and date.
Freezing individual portions makes it convenient to prepare the cookies ahead of time.
The original instructions do not specify a baking time or temperature adjustment for baking the dough directly from frozen, so check the cookies carefully if you choose to bake frozen portions.
When to Serve Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies are a wonderful addition to a variety of holiday occasions.
- Christmas cookie exchanges: Their colorful sprinkles and powdered sugar coating make them stand out among traditional holiday cookies.
- Holiday dessert platters: Arrange them alongside sugar cookies, chocolate cookies, and other festive treats.
- Christmas parties: Serve them on a platter for guests to enjoy with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Homemade food gifts: Once completely cooled, package them in a suitable food-safe container for sharing.
- Family baking days: Their simple preparation makes them a fun option for a holiday baking session.
Because the cookies are soft and delicate, handle them gently when arranging them on serving platters or packing them for gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to refrigerate the cookie dough?
No. This recipe is designed to be baked without refrigerating the dough. The original recipe explains that chilling solidifies the fat and can reduce cookie spread.
Why are these cookies called ooey gooey butter cookies?
The name describes their rich, soft texture. Butter and cream cheese create a tender cookie, while confectioners’ sugar is mixed into the dough to help produce the signature gooey consistency.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of salted butter, so you can follow the ingredient list as written.
Why is confectioners’ sugar used twice?
The recipe divides 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar into two portions. Half is incorporated into the dough to contribute to the soft texture, and the other half is used to coat the dough balls before baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Bake for 8–11 minutes at 350°F. The tops should no longer appear wet. The cookies are intended to stay soft, so avoid overbaking them.
Why should I let the cookies rest before transferring them?
The cookies are delicate immediately after baking. Allowing them to rest on the baking sheet for approximately five minutes helps them set enough to transfer to a wire rack.
How long do Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies last?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 2–3 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. You can freeze either the unbaked dough portions or the baked cookies. The original recipe recommends freezing individual dough portions for approximately 30 minutes before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to four weeks.
Can I make these cookies ahead for Christmas?
Yes. You can prepare and freeze the individual dough portions ahead of time, or bake the cookies and freeze them for up to four weeks. This makes it easier to spread your holiday baking over several days.
What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Use 1/3 cup of Christmas sprinkles. Red, green, white, or multicolored holiday sprinkles all give the cookies a festive appearance.
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (126 g) confectioners’ sugar, divided
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until blended.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar. With the mixer on low, gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles until just incorporated.
- Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar.
- Place approximately six dough balls on each prepared baking sheet.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 8–11 minutes, or until the tops no longer appear wet.
- Allow the cookies to rest for approximately five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per cookie:
- Calories: 131 kcal
The original recipe provides calories per cookie but does not specify the remaining nutrition values.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a festive, homemade treat with a rich buttery flavor, a soft cream cheese center, and a sweet powdered sugar coating. Colorful Christmas sprinkles make them especially cheerful, while the straightforward preparation keeps holiday baking manageable.
With only 21 minutes of listed preparation and baking time, these cookies are ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, dessert trays, and homemade gifts. You can also freeze the dough portions or baked cookies to prepare ahead for the busy holiday season.
Serve them once cooled and enjoy a soft, sweet cookie that’s full of Christmas spirit.