These soft, chewy cookies are a festive holiday treat with their gooey centers and delightful powdered sugar crackles. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or just adding a little sweetness to your Christmas celebrations!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (8 oz) softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or white cake mix), approximately 15.25 oz
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with silicone mats or parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and egg until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. - Add Cake Mix:
Gradually mix the cake mix into the wet ingredients. The dough will be thick, sticky, and slightly mushy—this is normal. - Chill the Dough (Optional):
If you have time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step is optional but can make the dough easier to handle. - Shape the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small dough balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat it thoroughly—this will create the signature crackled effect when baked. - Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are still soft and gooey. Be careful not to overbake—soft and chewy centers are key! - Decorate:
While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch. Alternatively, you can add extra powdered sugar for a snow-covered look or drizzle icing once they cool. - Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations:
- Cake Mix Variations: Yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, but feel free to try white cake mix or even chocolate cake mix for a twist.
- Add-ins: Get creative by adding chopped candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a holiday spin.
- Buttery Version: For a richer taste, you can increase the butter to 3/4 cup.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and gooey, making them perfect for gift-giving or preparing ahead of time.
Why They’re Perfect for Christmas:
- Festive Look: The sprinkles add a pop of color, and the powdered sugar gives these cookies a snowy, cracked appearance.
- Quick & Easy: With just a box of cake mix and a few ingredients, these cookies are a breeze to make—ideal for last-minute holiday baking.
- Kid-Friendly: Making and decorating these cookies is a fun activity for kids, making them a great family baking project.
These Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple preparation, they’re perfect for sharing the joy of the season!
