Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Introduction

If you’re a fan of soft and chewy cookies that melt in your mouth, then you’re in for a treat with these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. These delightful cookies are a twist on the classic butter cookie, with a gooey and rich center that will satisfy your sweet tooth. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of these irresistible cookies!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gooey Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step to make it easier.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as it can make the cookies tough.

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

Step 2: Preparing the Gooey Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined and fluffy.

Cover the filling with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Remove the chilled dough and filling from the refrigerator. Take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a teaspoon of the gooey filling in the center of the dough.

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it completely. Roll the filled dough into a ball shape, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.

Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still appear slightly undercooked, but they will set as they cool.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

While these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are delicious as they are, you can also experiment with different flavors and variations.

Chocolate Lover’s Delight:

Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to create a rich chocolate dough. You can also mix in chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgence.

Fruity Twist:

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus flavor. You can also fill the cookies with a spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves.

Nutty Surprise:

Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch. You can also roll the filled dough balls in chopped nuts before baking for an added nutty coating.

Tips

Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before using them. Softening them at room temperature will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
Chilling the dough is essential for the cookies to hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
When filling the dough balls, ensure the filling is fully enclosed to prevent leakage during baking.
Do not overbake the cookies. They may appear slightly undercooked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic butter cookie. With their soft, chewy texture and gooey centers, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try out some variations, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So grab your apron and get baking – you won’t be able to resist these irresistible treats!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Simply store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and the filling for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, follow the steps as mentioned in the recipe.

2. Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can use salted butter if that’s all you have on hand. Just remember to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half to maintain the right balance of flavors.