Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of creamy, rich texture and sweet, chocolatey delight. These cookies come together quickly, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. With their soft, pillowy centers and a hint of crunch from the confectioners’ sugar coating, they are simply irresistible.
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 13 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in under half an hour. This recipe yields 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. This makes them a great choice for busy home cooks looking for a sweet treat without a lot of fuss.
Why This Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies Is So Popular
The appeal of Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies lies in their unique texture and flavor. The creamy combination of cream cheese and butter creates a soft, tender cookie that melts in your mouth. The addition of M&M’s adds a burst of color and a touch of chocolatey sweetness that complements the rich base. Plus, they are straightforward to make, which saves time and effort in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on enjoying the results.
Main Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter, provides richness and a satisfying buttery flavor.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, adds creaminess and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar, sweetens the dough, contributing to the overall sweetness.
- 1 large egg, binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, enhances the flavors and adds a warm aroma.
- 2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, forms the structure of the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, provides lift and a light texture.
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar, divided, used for rolling the cookies for a sweet coating.
- 1 cup (203 g) M&M’s milk chocolate candies, pastel blend, adds color and a delightful crunch.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
| Tool | Purpose |
| Mixing bowl | For combining ingredients. |
| Hand-held mixer | To beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. |
| Cookie scoop | For portioning cookie dough evenly. |
| Baking sheets | For baking the cookies. |
| Parchment paper | To line the baking sheets for easy removal of cookies. |
| Wire rack | For cooling the cookies after baking. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. Each step is designed to ensure you achieve the perfect cookie every time.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the sheets, Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Beat the butter and cream cheese, In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held mixer to beat the softened salted butter and cream cheese together with the granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla, Incorporate the room temperature egg and vanilla extract into the mixture. Beat until fully combined, ensuring a uniform mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients, Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ cup of the confectioners’ sugar into the wet mixture. With the mixer on low speed, blend until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold in M&M’s, Gently fold in the pastel blend M&M’s, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and roll the dough, Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each ball in the reserved ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar to create a sweet coating.
- Arrange on baking sheets, Place approximately 6 dough balls on each lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies, Bake for 13-16 minutes, beginning to check around the 11-minute mark. The tops should no longer appear wet, indicating they are ready to come out of the oven.
- Optional: Add extra M&M’s, If desired, press a few additional M&M’s into the tops of each cookie right after baking for an extra festive touch.
- Cool the cookies, Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Be cautious not to overmix the dough once the flour is added; this helps maintain a tender cookie.
- When baking, watch for a slight golden edge and a soft center; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- If your oven runs cool, consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a better result.
- To keep cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
- Pack them in lunch boxes for a sweet surprise.
Variations and Easy Customizations for Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Quick Weeknight Version
For a faster option, you can skip rolling the dough balls in confectioners’ sugar and bake them directly. This will save time and still yield delicious cookies.
High-Protein Version
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with protein powder for a boost in protein content without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Adaptation
This recipe is naturally vegetarian; just ensure that all your ingredients are vegetarian-friendly and you’re set!
Meal Prep Version
Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a soft texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy dough. Always ensure they are at room temperature.
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour can create dense cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Not measuring flour accurately can affect the dough’s consistency. Use the spoon-and-level method for best results.
- Skipping the cooling time can lead to cookies that fall apart. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven results. Always preheat your oven properly.
Nutrition Overview
Each cookie is approximately 150 calories, making them a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. To lighten the recipe, consider using less sugar or a sugar substitute. For a richer version, you can add more M&M’s or additional chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
→ Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted in Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter; just add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the flavors.
→ How do I know when my Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the tops no longer look wet, and the edges are lightly golden. They will firm up as they cool.
→ Can I freeze the dough for Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll them into balls, freeze, and then transfer to a sealed bag.
→ What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough before baking or adding a bit more flour to achieve a thicker consistency.
Final Thoughts
Give these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies a try for your next baking session. Their unique texture and flavor profile make them a standout treat that’s easy to prepare and share. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or packed for later, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1 Preheat the oven and prepare the sheets , Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Step 2 Beat the butter and cream cheese , In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held mixer to beat the softened salted butter and cream cheese together with the granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3 Add egg and vanilla , Incorporate the room temperature egg and vanilla extract into the mixture. Beat until fully combined, ensuring a uniform mixture.
- Step 4 Combine dry ingredients , Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ cup of the confectioners' sugar into the wet mixture. With the mixer on low speed, blend until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 5 Fold in M&M's , Gently fold in the pastel blend M&M's, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 6 Scoop and roll the dough , Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each ball in the reserved ½ cup of confectioners' sugar to create a sweet coating.
- Step 7 Arrange on baking sheets , Place approximately 6 dough balls on each lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading during baking.
- Step 8 Bake the cookies , Bake for 13-16 minutes, beginning to check around the 11-minute mark. The tops should no longer appear wet, indicating they are ready to come out of the oven.
- Step 9 Optional: Add extra M&M's , If desired, press a few additional M&M's into the tops of each cookie right after baking for an extra festive touch.
- Step 10 Cool the cookies , Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Be cautious not to overmix the dough once the flour is added; this helps maintain a tender cookie.
