If you love bright citrus flavor and crave irresistibly chewy, soft cookies, you absolutely have to try Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. This delightful dessert delivers the best of both worlds: the tangy zing of lemon, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a playful dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering, yet easy enough to whip up for a midweek pick-me-up. They taste like sunshine in every bite, and they’re made with simple, familiar ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to create that crave-able gooey center and bright flavor. Here’s how everything in this lineup brings something important to the table:
- Lemon cake mix: The not-so-secret shortcut! It packs a punch of lemon flavor and ensures effortless, consistent results.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the secret to the chewy, gooey bite you’ll love! Let it soften for smooth blending.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds classic rich, buttery notes and supports the cookie’s tender structure.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure, so your cookies hold up but stay soft.
- Lemon zest: For an explosion of fresh, aromatic lemony aroma that takes the flavor over the top.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the tart lemon with cozy warmth in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates that iconic crinkle and a sweet finish. Don’t skip it!
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Kicking things off is simple: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to deliver perfectly baked Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking—this step will make your life so much easier.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer. You’re looking for a silky, unified blend without lumps—this creates that signature gooey core. Creaming thoroughly at this stage makes all the difference in the final texture!
Step 3: Mix in the Egg, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla
Once your mixture is smooth, add the egg, fresh lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Blend until everything’s beautifully incorporated. The lemon zest shines here, infusing the dough with a wonderfully fresh aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Gradually pour in the lemon cake mix. Mix everything together either with your electric mixer on low or a trusty spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop the second it all comes together!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the bowl in the fridge and chill your dough for 30 minutes. This quick pause makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain that fudgy, gooey middle instead of spreading too much in the oven.
Step 6: Shape and Sugarcoat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Next, roll each ball in a shallow bowl of powdered sugar, coating them on all sides. This is what gives Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies their signature crinkly, snow-dusted look.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still soft—remember, gooey is good! Allow cookies to cool on the pan for five minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. The aroma in your kitchen at this point is absolute bliss.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar over the cooled cookies, or zest a bit of lemon right over the top for added color and zing. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of white chocolate or a pinch of edible flowers makes for a gorgeous presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies with a chilled glass of milk, a mug of herbal tea, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a fruit salad or tangy yogurt for a bright, balanced dessert spread at brunch or parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. Arrange them on a tiered dessert tray with fresh berries and sprigs of mint, or serve alongside a mix of other citrus-flavored confections for a sunny-themed dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days—if they last that long! Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture if you like.
Freezing
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. It revives their gooey texture and makes the lemon aroma pop all over again—seriously irresistible!
FAQs
Can I add extra lemon juice for more tartness?
Absolutely! If you want an even more vibrant citrus punch, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to the dough with the zest. Don’t worry, it won’t throw off the dough’s texture.
What type Dessert
Any standard 15.25-ounce box of lemon cake mix works well—classic brands like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker are great choices. Just be sure not to substitute with a pound cake mix or angel food mix.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the ultimate gooey texture. Low-fat versions will still work, though the cookies may be slightly less creamy and soft.
What’s the best way to make perfectly shaped cookies?
Using a small cookie scoop keeps the dough portions even, leading to uniformly baked Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. Rolling your hands lightly in powdered sugar helps if the dough is sticky.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Definitely! The dough can be prepared a day ahead and chilled, tightly covered, in the refrigerator overnight. This makes it even easier to bake fresh cookies for guests or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to take your first bite of these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies—they’re sunshine baked into every bite, guaranteed to brighten any day! Whether you’re baking with family, spoiling your friends, or treating yourself, I know you’ll fall in love with their citrusy sweetness and gooey texture. Give them a try and let the compliments roll in!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the rich sweetness of butter in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the lemon cake mix and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, then place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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