Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a bright and delightful treat that will instantly brighten your day, this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies masterfully combine the tangy zestiness of lemons with a luscious, buttery center that melts in your mouth, making each bite irresistibly gooey and sweet. Perfectly soft and chewy with a crackled powdered sugar exterior, these treats are the sunshine your cookie jar has been waiting for. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple during lemon season or whenever you crave a citrusy pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes, simplicity is the key to magic in baking. This Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together in perfect harmony, each adding a unique texture, flavor, or touch of richness to create these heavenly cookies.

• Lemon cake mix: Provides a vibrant lemon flavor and acts as the foundation for softness.
• Cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy richness that gives these cookies their signature gooey texture.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Contributes buttery depth and moisture for tender bites.
• Large egg: Binds all the ingredients while helping with a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Offers a warm, sweet undertone balancing the tartness of lemon.
• Lemon extract: Enhances the lemony brightness, making the flavor pop.
• Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls, it creates a delicate, sweet crust.
• Lemon zest (optional): A fresh sprinkle for extra zing and color when serving.

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature so your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is silky smooth. This creamy base is essential for that iconic gooey texture we all adore.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is well combined. This step infuses the batter with moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring each bite is bursting with citrusy goodness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Lemon Cake Mix

Gradually stir in the lemon cake mix, mixing until the dough comes together fully. The cake mix not only flavors the cookies but also helps produce a tender, cakey crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them generously in powdered sugar. This coating creates the trademark crackly, sweet exterior that contrasts beautifully with the gooey inside.

Step 7: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the sugared dough balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops develop lovely cracks. This short baking time is crucial to maintain that gooey center everyone loves.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time helps them finish setting without losing their softness.

Add the Final Touch: Lemon Zest

Sprinkle with freshly grated lemon zest for a zesty boost and a beautiful pop of color. This simple yet impactful garnish elevates your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe to bakery-quality charm.

How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh lemon zest scattered on top enhances the citrus aroma and adds a pretty, natural decoration. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking adds extra sweetness and charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade to complement their tangy flavor. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter with edible flowers for a springtime gathering, or stack them with parchment paper between layers for gift-giving. Wrapping a few cookies in a clear bag tied with a lemon-colored ribbon makes a thoughtful and tasty homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and gooey without drying out, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth over a few days.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delightful flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, warm frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives the gooey center that Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is loved for.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for these cookies?

While lemon cake mix gives the most authentic flavor, you can experiment with vanilla or yellow cake mix for a milder twist. The cookies will still be delicious but the lemony zing will be less pronounced.

Why do these cookies need cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds moisture and richness, giving these cookies their characteristic gooey texture and a slight tang that perfectly complements the lemon flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free lemon cake mix substitute, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure to check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Chilling the dough is essential. If it’s still sticky after refrigeration, try refrigerating it a bit longer or lightly flour your hands while scooping and rolling dough balls.

How do I get the cookies to have that crackled powdered sugar look?

Rolling the chilled cookie dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar before baking is key. This coating cracks wonderfully as the cookies bake, giving them their signature sweet, crackled top.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply magical about the way the tart lemon and luscious buttery center come together in this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a burst of sunshine all at once. Baking these cookies is a joy, and sharing them with friends or family makes the experience even sweeter. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your new favorite anytime you want a little lemony happiness in cookie form.

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