If you’re dreaming of a dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavor but want to keep things easy, Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix are about to become your new best friend. With their cheerful yellow color, soft, crinkly texture, and a sweet-tart zing from real lemon juice and zest, these cookies manage to taste like you spent hours in the kitchen—when in reality, you’ll have them mixed and baked before you can finish your cup of tea. They’re perfect for bake sales, afternoon treats, or anytime you crave sunshine in a cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are a few clever ingredients to create the magic behind Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix. Each one plays an important role, from amping up the lemony zip to creating that melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Let’s peek at what you’ll need—and how to make every ingredient count.
- Lemon cake mix: The powerhouse shortcut that delivers sweet, punchy lemon flavor and soft, cakey texture without any fuss.
- Large eggs: Help bind the dough and give the cookies their irresistible chewiness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps your cookies deliciously moist and tender—don’t skimp!
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best, adding extra tang and brightness that punches up the lemon cake mix.
- Lemon zest (optional): For true citrus lovers, a little zest makes the flavor pop and adds flecks of sunny yellow throughout the dough.
- Powdered sugar: Rolling each dough ball in this snowy sugar gives the trademark crinkle top and a whisper of sweet crunch once baked.
How to Make Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly ready when your dough comes together. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze—nothing should stand between you and your cookies!
Step 2: Mix the Magic Dough
In a large bowl, pour in the lemon cake mix, crack in the eggs, drizzle in the vegetable oil, add that fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle in the zest if you want an extra lemony punch. Grab a sturdy spoon or spatula and mix until everything comes together into a thick, sticky dough—it should smell zesty already.
Step 3: Shape and Sugar
Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them gently between your palms into balls. Now comes the fun part: roll each ball in a generous layer of powdered sugar until no yellow peeks through. This step is what gives Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix their classic crinkle appearance!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place each sugar-dusted dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple inches between them for a little room to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops have that signature crackly pattern. Trust your nose: when you can smell lemon, they’re close!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes so they set up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool, becoming tender and cake-like with every bite. Now, try to resist eating them all in one go!
How to Serve Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix
Garnishes
Crown each cookie with a playful dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a finishing touch. If you want to take them truly over the top, a drizzle of lemon glaze (just combine powdered sugar with a little lemon juice) gives an elegant shine and another layer of zing.
Side Dishes
Set out a plate of these sunny cookies alongside a mug of Earl Grey tea, or serve them with a bowl of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix are also wonderful paired with vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the cookies in a glass jar for the prettiest homemade gift, or arrange them in a lacy basket for a baby or bridal shower. Stack them high on a tiered stand for a party centerpiece, or add them to a cookie platter with chocolate and almond cookies for a gorgeous spectrum of flavors and colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store your Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay sweet, soft, and perfect for nibbling any time you wander into the kitchen for a treat.
Freezing
Want to bake ahead? Pop the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls (before rolling in sugar) and bake off a few at a time for fresh cookies on demand.
Reheating
If you love your cookies a little warm, just microwave one or two for about 10 seconds. This brings out the lemon aroma and restores that just-baked softness—like a little burst of sunshine whenever you want it!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try strawberry, orange, or even white cake mix for a fun twist, but if you want pure, classic lemon flavor, Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix with lemon cake mix can’t be beat.
Do I need to chill the dough?
For this recipe, it’s not necessary. The dough is thick enough to bake right away, but if your kitchen is particularly warm and the dough is sticky, a quick 15-minute chill in the fridge can make rolling and shaping even easier.
What makes these cookies crinkly?
The magic happens when you roll the dough in powdered sugar and bake it. As the cookies spread and bake, the powdered sugar separates, creating that irresistible crackly top that’s the hallmark of Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free lemon cake mix! The method is exactly the same, and you’ll still get soft, zippy cookies with a perfect crinkle.
How do I make the lemon flavor even stronger?
A dash of pure lemon extract, or a bit of extra zest, will send the citrus flavor over the top. Be cautious, though—a little goes a long way!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that delivers big flavor for minimal effort, Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix are the answer. Give them a whirl, share them with friends, and watch how quickly these bright, citrusy bites disappear—happy baking!
Print
Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cookies made from cake mix are a quick and easy dessert option bursting with zesty citrus flavor. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from weeknight treats to special gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Additional for Rolling:
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Roll the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add a drop or two of lemon extract.
- You can also drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
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