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Soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers with chewy edges, these festive butter cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! Made with just 6 ingredients (including cake mix!), they’re easy to whip up yet taste like you spent hours baking. Rolled in powdered sugar and packed with cheerful red and green sprinkles, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, Santa’s plate, or cozy nights with hot cocoa.
Let’s make these holiday magic cookies that disappear faster than Christmas morning!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
✔ Unbelievably soft & tender – Like a cross between a cookie and a cake!
✔ Easy cake-mix shortcut – No measuring flour or leavening agents.
✔ Festive & fun – The colorful sprinkles scream Christmas joy.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Dough can chill overnight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles (red & green)
- Powdered sugar, for rolling & dusting
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ tsp almond extract (for extra flavor)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (warm spice twist)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in egg and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add cake mix, stirring until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Fold in sprinkles gently (don’t overmix to avoid color bleeding).
3. Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
- Why? Chilling prevents overspreading and makes rolling easier!
4. Shape & Sugar-Coating
- Scoop 1.5-tbsp portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar (coat generously for that snowy look!).
5. Bake to Perfection
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers look soft.
- Tip: They’ll firm up as they cool—don’t overbake!
6. Cool & Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust with more powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Pro Tips for the Best Cookies
🔹 Room-Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smooth mixing (no lumps!).
🔹 Don’t Skip the Chill – Cold dough = thicker, chewier cookies.
🔹 Underbake Slightly – They’ll stay ooey-gooey inside!
🔹 Storage Tip – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Fun Variations
1. Peppermint Twist
- Add ½ cup crushed candy canes + ¼ tsp peppermint extract.
2. Chocolate Lovers’ Version
- Use devil’s food cake mix + white chocolate chips.
3. Lemon Snowball Cookies
- Swap yellow cake mix for lemon cake mix + omit sprinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Vanilla, spice, or funfetti work great too.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
- Dough wasn’t chilled enough.
- Used margarine instead of butter.
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 mins).
Serving & Gifting Ideas
🎁 Cookie Tins – Layer in a festive tin with parchment.
☕ Dessert Charcuterie – Pair with cocoa and gingerbread.
🎄 Santa’s Plate – Leave out with milk on Christmas Eve!
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are holiday happiness in every bite—easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for cookie exchanges. One taste, and they’ll become a family tradition!
Want more holiday cookies? Try these next: