Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate lemon treat that’s bright, buttery, and irresistibly soft, Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are hands down a must-bake. This recipe wraps up the vibrant zing of lemon, the creamy richness of cream cheese, and the classic comfort of cake mix into one crave-worthy cookie—all topped with a powdery, sweet snow of sugar. Each bite is chewy, bursting with citrus flavor, and melts in your mouth, making these cookies a sunny highlight at any gathering or just as a joyful everyday snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies is how such simple ingredients work together to create magic in your oven. Each item brings something essential: from the cake mix’s citrus punch to the tangy cream cheese and that final kiss of powdered sugar.
- Lemon cake mix (15.25 oz): The secret shortcut to big lemon flavor and the perfect soft texture every time.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This is key for the gooey center and a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and a beautiful tender crumb to the cookies.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Fresh zest intensifies the lemony aroma and flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Balances the tartness and enhances all those bright citrus notes.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, for rolling): Gives each cookie its signature crinkly, sweet coating.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, it helps give those cookie bottoms a lovely golden glow.
Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This is where you lay the groundwork for that wonderful soft, gooey texture that makes these cookies shine.
Step 3: Add Egg, Zest, and Vanilla
Crack in your large egg, add the freshly grated lemon zest, and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is incorporated and the dough turns a pretty pale yellow. The lemon zest will bring that pop of fresh citrus with every bite.
Step 4: Mix in the Lemon Cake Mix
Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the bowl and stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. The dough should be a little tacky—that’s what makes the cookies gooey! Don’t worry if it seems soft now; it will firm up after chilling.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies bake up thick and pillowy, instead of spreading too much.
Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Coat
Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts. Roll them gently into balls and then thoroughly coat each one in powdered sugar. This step is pure fun—think of it as dressing the cookies up in their very best snow suits!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Arrange the sugar-dusted dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest lets them finish setting up without overbaking, ensuring that magical gooey bite.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a beautiful, snowy look. For a fancy touch, sprinkle with a little more fresh lemon zest or add a tiny curl of lemon peel to each plate—your guests will swoon at the citrusy aroma it adds.
Side Dishes
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea (Earl Grey or chamomile are especially nice), coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a summer treat, try serving them alongside a bowl of fresh berries—raspberries and blueberries add lovely color and flavor contrast to the cookies’ sweet tang.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting these cookies or serving them at a party, stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon, or layer them on a bright yellow platter. They also look gorgeous arranged in mini cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at showers or brunches. Don’t be afraid to double the batch—they disappear fast!
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 fresh for up to four days, making them perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks. If you want to preserve their gooey texture, just add a slice of bread to the container—it helps keep moisture in the cookies, not the bread.
Freezing
These cookies freeze surprisingly well, both as dough and as finished cookies. If you want to freeze the dough, form your balls first and freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two. Baked cookies can also be frozen in layers separated by wax paper; let them thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
If you love your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies just a touch warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to revive their pillowy softness and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix brings that bright, zesty kick that makes Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies so special, you can experiment with other flavors like strawberry, orange, or classic yellow for fun twists.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is key for easy handling and for helping the cookies keep their shape. If you skip the chill, your cookies may spread too much and lose that dreamy thick, gooey center.
Can I make these without cream cheese?
The cream cheese is essential to the “gooey” in Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, so substituting it could impact the texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider trying vegan cream cheese alternatives, but the results may vary.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Take the cookies out when the edges look set, but the centers are still soft and just barely glossy. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring that soft, gooey bite every time.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. This not only saves time, but can intensify the lemon flavor, making your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a cookie that’s bright, rich, and seriously easy to fall in love with, Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are ready to become your new favorite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear—don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe more than once!
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Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies with this easy recipe. These soft, lemony treats are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings.
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
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add egg, lemon zest, and vanilla; mix well. Stir in lemon cake mix to form a soft dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly soft. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
