There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The air fills with warmth, and the sweet scent of cookies baking can instantly lift anyone’s spirits. My absolute favorite Christmas treat has to be these *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*. Oh my goodness, they’re like little clouds of happiness! I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was a flurry of flour and laughter as my kids helped mix the dough. The best part? When you take a bite, they’re so soft and chewy, with a buttery richness that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these heavenly *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing. Trust me, this gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality!
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: This is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies so gooey and rich. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit if you can.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and a lovely smooth texture. Sifting it can help avoid lumps, but I usually just whisk it a bit in the bowl.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that enhances the buttery goodness. You can never go wrong with a splash of vanilla!
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a delightful twist! It’s like a holiday hug in cookie form.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies. Don’t pack it too tightly when measuring—light and fluffy is the goal!
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those yummy flavors.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create something truly special! Let’s get to baking!
How to Prepare *Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies*
Alright, let’s get those delicious cookies into your oven! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to baking perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps those cookies rise beautifully and get that perfect texture. Don’t skip this step, or you might end up with flat cookies!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, grab your softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a fluffy texture that’s soft and inviting—this will be the base for your cookies!
Step 3: Add the Sugar and Mix
Now it’s time to sweeten things up! Gradually add in the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Keep blending until it’s all mixed together and super smooth. You want to avoid any lumps here, so take your time. The mixture should be light and fluffy!
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts
Next, add in your two large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat everything together until fully combined. This is where the magic happens—mix until you don’t see any streaks of egg. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and it’s heavenly!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the baking powder gets evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for a lovely texture. Just a quick mix will do!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, gently folding it in with a spatula until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to stay soft and gooey!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Grab a tablespoon and start dropping rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they’re going to spread out a bit while baking. It’s like little cookie dollops waiting to be transformed!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Trust me—you want them a little underbaked for that ooey gooey texture!
Step 9: Cooling Process
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling on a rack is crucial for maintaining that soft, gooey center. You want to let them breathe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for holiday baking marathons!
- Delightful Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a unique and festive flavor that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
- Perfect Texture: They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-gooey! Each bite melts in your mouth, creating a heavenly experience that’s hard to resist.
- Holiday Favorite: These cookies are not only delicious but also a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter. They look festive and taste even better!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes. Perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a cookie that’s rich and buttery. These cookies are sure to be a hit at parties, family gatherings, or just for your own indulgence!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies* turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve cookie bliss!
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This helps prevent overpacking and keeps your cookies from turning out too dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and helps everything incorporate beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the soft, gooey texture we’re aiming for!
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If your oven runs hot, check them a minute or two early. You want the edges to be golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: After letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet, transferring them to a wire rack allows air to circulate, helping them maintain that gooey center. Plus, it prevents them from getting soggy!
- Experiment with Toppings: For an extra festive touch, try sprinkling the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzling them with melted chocolate after they cool. It adds a lovely visual appeal and a bit of extra sweetness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious batch of cookies this holiday season. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the cookie goodness you’re about to enjoy? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*. Keep in mind that these values are based on standard ingredients and can vary slightly based on your specific brands and measurements:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet indulgence, perfect for the festive season! Enjoy them as a treat, and don’t forget to share with loved ones (or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!).
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you on your baking journey:
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose a bit of that gooey texture. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! This dough freezes beautifully. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! You can either omit it or replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. It’ll still taste fantastic, and you won’t lose any of that holiday spirit!
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture. Just remember not to overload the dough; you want to maintain that gooey goodness!
What’s the best way to enjoy these cookies?
I love these cookies fresh from the oven, but they’re also amazing with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For an extra treat, try warming them up slightly in the microwave—just a few seconds will do the trick!
If you have any other questions or tips, don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey bite of these cookies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked a batch of these irresistible *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay as delicious as the moment they came out of the oven! Let’s talk about the best ways to store them and how to reheat if you’re craving that fresh-baked taste again.
To store your leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay scrumptious for up to a week. If you notice they’re getting a little dry, just pop a slice of bread into the container with them. It helps keep the cookies soft and moist—like magic!
If you want to enjoy that gooey texture again, reheating is super simple! Just pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they warm up and become soft again. If you prefer them crispy, just give them a quick toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
So, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or saving them for later, these cookies are bound to bring joy to your holiday season!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making these *christmas ooey gooey butter cookies*? What did you think? If you’ve got any tips or variations that you love, please share them in the comments below! Your feedback not only brings me joy but also helps fellow bakers in their cookie adventures.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating and share it on your social media! Let’s spread the holiday cheer and inspire others to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
Print
Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies: 5 Ways to Love Them
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy butter cookies perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
- Add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas ooey gooey butter cookies