Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

The holiday season calls for sweet indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than with a plate of Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies! These delightful treats are a perfect blend of soft, buttery goodness, with a rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Each bite brings back memories of cozy memories spent around the fireplace, the smell of sugar and spice enveloping the air, making them an instant favorite in any dessert spread.

As you sink your teeth into these cookies, the texture is heavenly—soft and slightly chewy with a powdered sugar dusting that enhances their charm. Imagine sharing these cookies with loved ones during a festive gathering, the warm aroma wafting through your home, inviting everyone to indulge in the holiday spirit.

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Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 170
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 7g

Why Make This Recipe

The appeal of these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies lies not only in their irresistible taste but also in their stunning simplicity. With just a few ingredients mixed together, you can create an enchanting treat that doesn’t require an advanced skill set in the kitchen. They are perfect for cozy family gatherings or holiday cookie exchanges, filling your home with their heartwarming aroma. Best served fresh from the oven, they are sure to impress both young and old alike!

How to Make Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions

Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added texture
Gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option
Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Add in the powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (be careful not to overmix).
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cooling slightly on the baking sheet, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Baking Tips

Don’t overmix the dough; this helps keep the cookies light and tender.
To test doneness, look for lightly golden edges and a soft center; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

How to Serve

Serve these cookies warm, dusted with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. For a delightful twist, enjoy them toasted with a drizzle of honey or your favorite jam.

How to Store

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Expert Tips

For the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
If you want a bit of crunch, fold in some finely chopped nuts into the dough.
Be cautious with the baking time; check them a minute or two early to ensure they don’t overbake.

Delicious Variations

Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative.
Cinnamon Swirl: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for cookies, you can play with fillings by swirling in fruit preserves.

Why is it dry/dense?
This can happen if the dough is overmixed or if too much flour is added. Be sure to measure accurately and mix just until combined.

What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover cookies can be crumbled over ice cream or layered in a trifle for an exciting dessert option.

Can I use frozen ingredients?
You can use frozen butter and cream cheese, but make sure they are fully thawed before beginning.

Conclusion

This holiday season, let the spirit of warmth and togetherness take hold with these scrumptious Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. With their delightful taste and inviting aroma, they are bound to become a cherished part of your family traditions. Give this recipe a try; we would love to hear your thoughts or any delightful variations you create along the way! Happy baking!