Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies🍪🎄

Introduction

The holiday season brings with it a wealth of cherished traditions, and one of my favorites is baking cookies. This year, I decided to try my hand at making Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and festive colors. From the moment I pulled the first batch from the oven, I was in love. These cookies are soft and buttery, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. The addition of Christmas sprinkles makes them not only delicious but visually festive—perfect for holiday gatherings! My family absolutely devoured them, and I couldn’t help but share this recipe so that you can create your own cookie magic this holiday season.

Ingredients

For the Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a subtle almond flavor)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
• ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Making the Cookie Dough:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in ¼ cup of the Christmas sprinkles.

Chilling the Dough:

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
3. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat.
4. Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
6. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles while the cookies are still warm. This helps the sprinkles adhere better.

Cooling:

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 120-140 Kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Freshly Baked: Serve warm right out of the oven for the best gooey texture.
• With Hot Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
• At Holiday Gatherings: Display on a festive platter as a centerpiece for dessert tables.
• Gift Giving: Package in decorative tins for holiday gifts.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fresh for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies light and airy.
3. Customize Sprinkles: Use different colored sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
4. Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
5. Store Properly: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Variation: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Cookie Sandwiches: Sandwich some cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful treat.
• Decorate with Icing: Use royal icing to decorate for an extra festive look.
• Ice Cream Toppings: Crumble cookies on top of vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Cookie Dough: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Scoop into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

• Yes, but the texture may be slightly different; they might not be as gooey.

1. What if I don’t have almond extract?

• You can omit it; the cookies will still taste delicious!

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

• Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

1. How do I store leftover cookies?

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, but real butter will yield the best flavor and texture.

1. What can I use instead of Christmas sprinkles?

• Any festive sprinkles or colored sugar will work.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets.

1. Why did my cookies spread too much?

• This can happen if the dough was not chilled enough. Make sure to refrigerate for at least an hour.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• They should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center.

1. Can I add flavor extracts other than vanilla or almond?
   • Yes, you can experiment with flavors like peppermint or lemon for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday celebration. Their delightful softness and festive appearance make them a treat that everyone will love. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time! Whether you’re baking for a party or simply to enjoy with your family, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create a batch of these delicious cookies that will warm your heart and home this festive season! Enjoy!

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