Name: Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup salted butter (softened); 1 package cream cheese (softened (8 ounces)); 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.25 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup confectioners' sugar (divided (½ cup for rolling)); 3 teaspoons baking powder; 0.33 cup Christmas sprinkles

Introduction to Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When it comes to holiday baking, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies stand out as a beloved treat. These cookies are known for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful sweetness, making them perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or cozy nights in. But what truly sets them apart is their charming ooey-gooey center, which creates a satisfying contrast to the lightly crisp exterior.

What makes Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies a holiday favorite?
The blend of cream cheese and butter gives these cookies a rich flavor profile that feels indulgent, yet they’re incredibly simple to whip up. Plus, they’re easily customizable! Want to add a pop of color? Toss in your favorite festive sprinkles, or even try different flavorings like almond extract for a fun twist.

As you gather around with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. According to a survey by the American Bakers Association, over 70% of people report that cookies are their favorite holiday treat. So, why not make some unforgettable memories while indulging in these dreamy delights? Dive into this recipe and experience the joy of cooking together this holiday season!

Ingredients for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to craft these delightful treats that are sure to become a holiday favorite!

½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter, softened: Make sure it's softened for easy mixing. Salted butter enhances the flavor, but you can use unsalted if preferred.
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened: Adding cream cheese gives these cookies their signature gooey texture. Just like butter, it should be soft to blend smoothly.
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar: This is what makes these cookies irresistibly sweet!
1 large egg, room temperature: Room temperature eggs mix better into the dough, ensuring that everything combines evenly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, familiar flavor that screams holiday season.
2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cookie structure.
1 cup (126 g) confectioners' sugar, divided: You'll use some for rolling the cookies, adding extra sweetness and a lovely finish.
3 teaspoons baking powder: This gives the cookies their lift and lightness.
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles: Perfect for that festive touch! You can choose any colorful sprinkles that you love.

Gather these ingredients, and you're well on your way to baking a batch of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies that will warm your heart and bring joy to your holiday gatherings! Want to know how to put them together? Keep reading for the complete instructions!

Step-by-step preparation of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Set the stage – gather your ingredients

Before diving into the delightful world of baking Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, it’s essential to have everything you need at your fingertips. You wouldn’t want to be scrambling to find that elusive 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract halfway through, right? Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (126g) confectioners' sugar, divided
3 teaspoons baking powder
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles

Feel free to enlist a friend or family member; baking is always more fun with company. Now, let’s get started!

Creaming the basics together

Once your oven is heating up to a warm 350°F, it’s time to mix those creamy ingredients. In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. This process should take about 2-3 minutes until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency—this texture is key to our ooey gooey delight!

Next, crack that egg into the mix and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue to blend until well incorporated, and your kitchen will start to fill with that buttery, sweet aroma that promises a tasty treat ahead.

Mixing in the festive spirit

With your creamy base ready, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ cup of the confectioners' sugar. Remember, keep your mixer on low to avoid flour clouds taking over your kitchen! Once these ingredients are just combined, gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles, allowing your batter to take on a joyful, colorful vibe.

Shaping the cookies

Here comes the fun part—shaping your cookies! Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out your dough. When each scoop is perfect, roll it in the remaining ½ cup of confectioners' sugar. This step adds a lovely sweet crust that complements the gooey center perfectly. Place around six dough balls on each lined baking sheet and gently flatten each one with the bottom of a glass or your palm—this helps them spread during baking and makes sure every bite is perfectly golden.

Baking to ooey gooey perfection

Now that your cookie dough is prepped and ready, pop those trays into the oven and let them bake for about 8-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies will be done when the tops no longer appear wet. Allow them to rest for approximately 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you have it—your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are now ready to spread holiday cheer!

Feel free to pack some up for friends or enjoy them with a warm drink of your choice—hot cocoa or a spicy ginger tea pairs beautifully with these cookies! Happy baking!

Variations on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When it comes to making your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies truly special, why not add a few fun twists? Here are some delightful variations that will certainly impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

Add a Twist with Different Sprinkles

Sprinkles can completely transform your cookies! Instead of standard Christmas sprinkles, try using themed sprinkles like snowflakes, candy canes, or even holiday-colored sanding sugar for a sparkly finish. Check out Wilton’s selection of festive sprinkles to find the perfect match for your holiday spirit!

Chocolate Chip Christmas Twist

For the chocolate lovers out there, incorporating mini chocolate chips into your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies can elevate your recipe. Simply fold in about a cup of chocolate chips before rolling them in confectioners' sugar. The gooey chocolate combined with the buttery goodness will create a cookie that’s hard to resist!

Embrace these variations and make your holiday baking as merry and bright as the season itself. Happy baking!

Cooking tips and notes for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Ensure the right consistency

For those Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, achieving the perfect dough consistency is key. When mixing the cream cheese and butter, make sure both are softened to room temperature; this ensures a smooth blend and prevents lumps. If the dough feels too wet, lightly sprinkle in some extra flour until it becomes scoopable but still moist. It should be tacky but manageable!

Perfecting your baking time

Baking times can fluctuate based on your oven. Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Look for that telltale sign: when the tops no longer appear wet. Start checking at the lower end of the time range—around 8 minutes. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit while cooling on the rack! Trust me, getting that timing just right makes all the difference in enjoying delicious, gooey cookies. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Presenting Cookies as Holiday Treats

When it comes to the festive season, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies shine as delightful gifts. Stack them in cute boxes or arrange them on a beautiful platter—presentation matters! Tying a holiday-themed ribbon around the box adds a personal touch. These cookies not only taste fantastic but also bring a sense of warmth and cheer to any gathering. Imagine the smiles as friends and family unwrap these treats!

For more creative ideas on packaging homemade gifts, check out this guide on holiday gift packaging.

Pairing with Your Favorite Hot Beverages

What better way to enjoy Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies than with a steaming cup of your favorite hot beverage? Think about pairing them with:

Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy hot chocolate complements the cookies' gooey texture beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances the cookies’ sweetness, creating a delightful balance.
Herbal Tea: A soothing peppermint or chai tea can perfectly balance the sweetness while adding festive flair.

The combination of warm drinks and these delicious cookies will surely warm up your holiday gatherings.

For tips on brewing the perfect cup of hot cocoa, take a look at this hot cocoa recipe. Enjoy!

Time Breakdown for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Preparation Time
Get ready to indulge in these delicious cookies with a straightforward prep process. You'll need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and mix everything together.

Baking Time
Once your cookies are scooped and slightly flattened, pop them in the oven for just 8-11 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the tops don’t look wet anymore—so satisfying!

Total Time
All in all, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes from start to finish! A quick endeavor for such delightful Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Perfect for those busy holiday baking marathons!

When planning your holiday baking, remember that these cookies are not just quick to whip up, but they also pack a flavorful punch that will leave your guests wanting more. For more tips on baking times and techniques, check out this baking guide for some expert insights!

Happy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

When it comes to indulging in Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, understanding their nutritional content can help you enjoy them guilt-free. Here's a quick snapshot of what you're biting into:

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie, making them a delightful treat without going overboard.
Sugar Content: Each cookie contains about 10 grams of sugar, adding that perfect touch of sweetness to your holiday gatherings.
Protein: With around 2 grams of protein per cookie, they're not just sweet but could also provide a slight energy boost for your festive celebrations.

Christmas treats should be all about enjoyment, so savor these cookies while keeping in mind their delightful yet indulgent nature! If you're curious about healthy alternatives or substitutions, check out reputable resources like Nutrition.gov to find options that can make your baking just a bit lighter. Enjoy your baking!

FAQ about Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

How can I store these cookies for freshness?

To keep your Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. They should stay fresh for about a week, but believe us – they’re likely to disappear long before then!

Can I freeze Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?

Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy your scrumptious treat!

What if I don't have cream cheese on hand?

If you find yourself without cream cheese, don’t worry! You can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or even a thick Greek yogurt. Although the flavor and texture may slightly change, the cookies will still turn out deliciously gooey!

Conclusion on Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

In summary, Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for your holiday gatherings. Their rich, buttery flavor paired with festive sprinkles makes them a crowd-pleaser. Don't hesitate to share these delightful cookies with your family and friends as a sweet addition to your Christmas celebrations. Happy baking!