Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a tangy, melt-in-your-mouth treat, these Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are about to become your new favorite indulgence. With a delicately crisp exterior and soft, gooey center bursting with zesty lemon flavor, these cookies are perfect for everything from spring picnics to cozy winter gatherings. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Irresistibly Soft & Gooey: Each bite is delightfully tender and rich.
- Bursting with Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest ensure vibrant citrus notes.
- Quick & Easy: Simple to whip up with pantry staples and no chill time required.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies steal the spotlight at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love rolling and dusting these cookies with powdered sugar!
Ingredients for Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
How to Make Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the yellow cake mix, beating until a thick dough forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls (a cookie scoop works great for this!). Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until coated. Arrange balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look just slightly underbaked. Don’t overbake—this keeps the cookies gooey! Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Notes on Making Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- For an extra punch of lemon, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before shaping and rolling in powdered sugar (find more tips on sticky cookie dough here).
- You can use homemade cake mix in place of the boxed version for a more from-scratch approach.
Delicious Variations for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Raspberry Lemon: Fold in ⅓ cup freeze-dried raspberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
- Lemon White Chocolate: Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra decadence.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix for a celiac-friendly option (learn about gluten-free baking).
Required Equipment for Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack for cooling
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Once completely cooled, store Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag—good for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Pair with a cup of sweet tea or homemade lemonade for a dreamy afternoon snack.
- Serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Perfect addition to cookie platters, brunch tables, or as edible gifts.
Pro Tips for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Success
- For picture-perfect cookies, double roll in powdered sugar—once before baking and again right after for extra coating (see this expert cookie coating guide).
- Don’t overbake! Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven for optimum gooeyness.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, boldest flavor.
Luscious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try vanilla, white, or even strawberry cake mix for fun flavor variations.
How do I stop my cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is very soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Can these cookies be made ahead?
Yes! Prepare and shape the dough balls ahead of time, freeze them, and bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
-
3Add granulated sugar, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
-
4In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
-
5Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
-
6Arrange coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers remain soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!