Ah, the holiday season! There’s something so magical about it — the twinkling lights, the cozy nights, and the sweet, indulgent scents wafting through the house. One of my favorite traditions is baking cookies to share with family and friends, and this year, I’m all about these **Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies**. Seriously, if you want to spread some cheer and delight in every bite, you absolutely have to try this recipe!
The first time I made these, it was a flurry of flour, sugar, and laughter with my kids as we donned our aprons and whipped everything into a frosted frenzy. As the cookies baked, our home filled with a warm and buttery aroma that felt like a hug. They turned out so deliciously gooey and festive, they became an instant hit! Now, every holiday season, I whip up a batch (or three) of these delightful treats, and trust me, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying all on our own.
What’s in Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
Let’s break down the goodness that goes into these cookies:
Unsalted Butter: The base of any good cookie! I always use unsalted to better control the salt levels.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient that gives the cookies that ooey-gooey texture we all love. Don’t skip it!
Powdered Sugar: Essential for that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s also what you’ll roll the cookies in for that final touch.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with everything else. I always go for pure vanilla extract when I can!
Eggs: These help bind all the ingredients together. Large eggs work best for this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough! It balances the moisture from the butter and cream cheese.
Baking Powder: A little lift that helps our cookies spread and rise just the right amount.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Holiday-Themed Sprinkles: The fun factor! These sprinkles make the cookies festive and exciting. You can use any festive colors you like.
Additional Powdered Sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create that snowy finish!
Is Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—these cookies are more about indulgence than health! But a cookie now and then isn’t too bad, right?
Cream Cheese: While it adds richness, it also contributes some calcium and fat. Moderation is key!
Butter: It’s delicious but does contain saturated fats, so perhaps enjoy one (or two) after a festive meal instead of as a snack!
Overall, these cookies bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Just remember, sharing is caring!
How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
Ready to bake? Let’s do this!
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, **beat together the softened butter and cream cheese** until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually **add in the powdered sugar**, mixing until well combined. Just wait until your kitchen fills with that sweet aroma!
4. Stir in the **vanilla extract and eggs**, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, **whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt** to create your dry mix.
6. Gradually **add the dry ingredients** to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cookies soft!
7. Gently **fold in the holiday-themed sprinkles** until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, **scoop out portions of dough** and roll them into balls. Coat each ball in powdered sugar.
9. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. **Bake in the preheated oven** for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked – can you smell it yet?
11. Allow the cookies to **cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes** before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Variations and Serving Suggestions!
– You can get creative with the sprinkles! Switch it up for other holidays — pastel colors for Easter or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
– Serve them warm with a side of hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.
– For a chocolatey twist, feel free to swap in chocolate chips or add cocoa powder to the dough!
So, there you have it! Your holiday baking just became a little sweeter with these **Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies**. I can’t wait for you to try them! Go ahead and dive into this deliciousness, and if you do, please let me know how they turn out. Happy baking and happy holidays!
