Description
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies combine a moist and rich yellow cake base with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese mixture, creating irresistibly soft and buttery treats perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Prepare Cookie Base: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one egg. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated and form a dough.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, the second egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the cream cheese mixture to the cookie base dough and stir thoroughly until the two are well blended, creating a rich batter.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the combined dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges of the cookies turn a golden brown while the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for a festive finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to prevent lumps.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the almond extract slightly, but use sparingly as it can overpower.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These cookies are naturally soft and gooey; avoid overbaking to maintain the signature texture.
