Introduction
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and indulging in delicious treats. These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect addition to your festive baking repertoire. They’re soft, rich, and incredibly flavorful, with a touch of holiday magic. The combination of creamy butter, sweet sugar, and festive sprinkles creates a truly irresistible cookie that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Origin and Cultural Significance
While the exact origins of butter cookies are somewhat hazy, they can be traced back to various cultures and time periods. Butter cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, with different variations emerging across different regions. The ooey-gooey texture and festive flavors of these Christmas cookies make them a modern twist on a classic treat, perfect for celebrating the 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
Optional Additions
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to the cookies.
- Dried Fruit: Cranberries or chopped apricots can provide a burst of tart sweetness.
Tips for Success
- Soften Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking, as they can brown quickly. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown.
Instructions
Making the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in ¼ cup of the Christmas sprinkles.
Chilling the Dough:
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles while the cookies are still warm.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. They’re soft, rich, and incredibly flavorful, with a hint of almond extract and a festive sprinkle of Christmas cheer. The cookies are easy to make, but they require a bit of patience and attention to detail. The result is a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. They are high in calories, fat, and sugar. However, by enjoying them in moderation and incorporating them into a balanced diet, you can still savor their festive flavors without compromising your health goals.
Conclusion
These Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try for any holiday baker. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. By following the tips and instructions provided, you can create a batch of festive cookies that will be the highlight of your holiday season.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a delicious and festive treat to share with your loved ones, I highly recommend trying these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. They’re a delightful way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While these cookies are undeniably indulgent, there are ways to enjoy them more healthily. Consider using whole wheat flour, reduced-fat cream cheese, and a natural sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup. You can also control portion sizes and limit your intake to special occasions. By making small adjustments, you can still enjoy the festive flavors of these cookies without overindulging.