If you’re craving a dessert that combines bright citrusy flavor with an irresistibly soft, gooey texture, you’re in for a treat with this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the tang of lemon with a luscious buttery richness, creating bite-sized moments of pure sunshine. They are soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and have that delightful gooey center you never knew you needed in a cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will quickly become your go-to for a fresh and indulgent sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and lemony brightness in your cookies. From the tangy lemon cake mix to the creamy richness of the softened cream cheese, every element works together beautifully in this recipe.
- Lemon cake mix: Provides the foundational lemon flavor and light crumbly texture that makes these cookies so special.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and a gooey softness inside every cookie bite.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Contributes a lush buttery depth without overpowering the lemon notes.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients while adding tenderness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and balances the tart lemon flavor.
- Lemon extract: Boosts the citrus punch for that extra lemony zing.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a crackly sweet coating that gives the cookies their charming cracked top.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds fresh bursts of citrus aroma and a pretty hint of color when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little prep work sets you up for success before diving into the delicious dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and creamy. This step ensures your cookies will have that signature gooey texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Extracts
Add the egg along with vanilla and lemon extracts to your creamy mixture, blending until everything is perfectly combined. These ingredients infuse the dough with flavor and ensure a moist, tender result.
Step 4: Incorporate Lemon Cake Mix
Gradually fold in the lemon cake mix, mixing thoroughly until the dough is uniform with no dry spots. This step is key for incorporating the essential lemony cake flavor and giving structure to the cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Place your dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to scoop and helping the cookies maintain their shape as they bake.
Step 6: Form and Coat the Dough Balls
Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball gently in powdered sugar. This coating not only adds sweetness but also creates that signature crinkly texture on top when baked.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey, with beautiful cracked tops that are irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for an added burst of color and fragrance.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on your cookies lifts their flavor and makes them visually stunning. You could also dust them lightly with extra powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze to amp up the citrus goodness even more.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a chilled glass of lemonade, which complements the bright lemon flavor perfectly. For a dessert platter, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies on a pretty plate interspersed with lemon slices or edible flowers for a festive touch. They also work wonderfully as a topping for ice cream or crumbled over yogurt parfaits, turning simple treats into exciting dessert experiences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, preserving their soft and gooey texture perfectly. It’s a great way to enjoy a little lemon sunshine anytime without baking fresh batches each time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you want a sweet lemony snack, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the cookies after storage or freezing, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives the gooey center while warming their buttery notes, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of lemon?
You can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or white cake mixes, but expect the lemony punch to be milder. For the full bright citrus experience, the lemon cake mix is unbeatable in this recipe.
Why is cream cheese used in these cookies?
Cream cheese contributes to the irresistible gooey texture inside and adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon flavor beautifully. It’s key to achieving that luscious, soft bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you find a gluten-free lemon cake mix, you can definitely try it, but results may vary. Make sure other ingredients don’t contain gluten, and expect slightly different texture and rise.
How thick should I roll the dough balls?
Shaping the dough into 1-inch balls allows the cookies to bake evenly while developing their soft centers and crackly surfaces. Smaller balls may dry out, and larger ones might require longer baking times.
What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer freshness. Avoid refrigeration, which could dry them out and alter the gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and soft-textured treats. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies deliver smiles with every bite. Grab your ingredients and enjoy the magic of baking cookies that bring a little sunshine and a lot of joy!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are irresistibly soft and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with a lemon cake mix and cream cheese, they have a rich, buttery texture and a delightful lemony zing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Coating & Garnish
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add flavors and egg: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is well combined and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate cake mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until fully incorporated into a dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, which makes it easier to handle and enhances the texture of the cookies.
- Form dough balls: Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked, indicating they are perfectly gooey inside.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add finishing touch: Once cooled, optionally sprinkle the cookies with lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus flavor and a pretty visual finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing.
- Chilling the dough is key to preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Rolling in powdered sugar creates a delicate sweet coating and enhances texture.
- Lemon zest add both flavor and decorative appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
