Description

There's something undeniably magical about the holiday season. As the air grows crisp and the days get shorter, the scent of baked goods fills our homes with warmth and joy. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies encapsulate that holiday spirit perfectly, presenting a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them irresistible. Originating from the traditional ooey-gooey butter cake, these soft, delectable cookies are a vegan twist on the beloved classic. Their luscious, cake-like consistency paired with the festive colors of sprinkles transforms them into a holiday staple.

Imagine a glossy snowy coating of powdered sugar adorning each cookie, beckoning you to take a bite. The combination of dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter creates a richness that's both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or leaving out for Santa, these cookies appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike. Best of all, they're incredibly easy to make, allowing even the busiest holiday bakers to join in on the fun. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a cookie that will spread seasonal cheer!

Ingredients

• To create these delightful cookies, you'll need the following:
• For the Cookie Dough:
• - 1 box yellow cake mix (ensure it's vegan)
• - 4 oz dairy-free cream cheese, softened
• - ½ cup vegan butter (1 stick), softened
• - 1 tablespoon egg replacer plus 2 tablespoons water
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - A pinch of baking powder (optional)
• For Coating and Decoration:
• - ½ cup powdered sugar for rolling
• - ½ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (reds, greens, and gold)
• These ingredients make for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and topped with holiday cheer, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Preparation Method

The key to making the perfect Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies lies in the step-by-step process. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through it so you can create cookies that will delight everyone.

First, start by prepping your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step, allowing the cookies to bake evenly and thoroughly when you’re ready to pop them in. During this time, you can also prep your ingredients. It's important that your vegan butter and cream cheese are softened to ensure they blend smoothly, making it easier for the dough to come together. If you find that they’re too firm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick—just be cautious not to melt them completely.

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened vegan butter and the dairy-free cream cheese. Adding the vanilla extract at this stage will elevate the aroma to sweet, nostalgic heights! Using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. The mixture should be silky, with no lumps remaining, signifying you're on the right track. Resist the urge to taste just yet; we still have more magic to add!

While the butter mixture is coming together, it's time to prepare your egg substitute. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of egg replacer with 2 tablespoons of water. Let this sit for about a minute; you'll notice it starts to thicken beautifully. After a minute of waiting, pour this thickened mix into the creamed butter and cream cheese. Beat this mixture on low to combine it well.

Now it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: add in the full box of yellow cake mix to your bowl. Make sure to sprinkle in a pinch of baking powder, if you’re using it. This addition can enhance the cookie's rise and texture ever so slightly, but if you prefer a denser cookie, feel free to skip it. Turn your mixer to low speed once again to prevent a cloud of cake mix from exploding. As everything begins to blend, the dough will take on a thick and sticky consistency—just as intended.

Once the dough is thoroughly combined, it's time to fold in those festive Christmas sprinkles. Use a spatula for this part; gently scrape through the dough, allowing the bright pops of color to spread throughout. The mixture should be playful and vibrant, creating that holiday spirit you’re after! You can feel free to adjust the amount of sprinkles to your liking—about a ½ cup is usually ideal, but a little extra sparkle never hurt anyone!

After the sprinkles are well incorporated, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy clean-up and helps prevent sticking. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form rounded balls of dough and roll them generously in powdered sugar. This step is what gives the cookies their signature “snow-dusted” appearance. Place the rolled cookies about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet; they will spread slightly while baking.

Now it’s time for the pièce de résistance—baking! Place your tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should be set while the centers remain soft and gooey. A telltale sign of readiness is when the cookies puff up slightly and start to turn a light golden brown; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect texture.

Once baked, take them out and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This slight cooling period helps them set up nicely while maintaining that delicious gooeyness inside. Be sure to let them cool completely before indulging—though you may be tempted to dive right in!

Tips and Conclusion

These ooey gooey butter cookies are incredibly versatile! If you want to switch things up, feel free to incorporate different mix-ins like crushed peppermint candies or even chocolate chips to cater to your flavor preference. Additionally, if you’d like to make a less sweet version, consider reducing the amount of powdered sugar you roll the cookies in. For storage, keep these delightful treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week—if they last that long! You can also freeze them for up to two months, ensuring you’ll have holiday treats on hand whenever a craving strikes.
Baking these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies is not just a culinary task; it's an experience that brings warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. The pleasure of savoring these treats, with their enchanting blend of textures and flavors, is unmatched. They make excellent gifts, party favors, or simply a sweet addition to your family’s holiday traditions.

Feeling inspired? While you’re here, why not explore some related festive recipes? From delicious gingerbread men to creamy vegan eggnog, there are plenty of options to fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and flavors this season. Encourage your loved ones to join in on the fun, share your batches of cookies, or invite friends over for a holiday baking marathon.

We hope you enjoy every moment of making these ooey gooey butter cookies and that they bring a smile to your face this holiday season. Don’t forget to share your cookie creations and keep browsing our site for more delightful recipes and culinary inspiration!