Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a dessert that bursts with bright citrus flavor and brings a luscious, chewy texture that practically melts in your mouth, you have to try this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful fusion of tangy lemon zest and a rich, buttery base, balanced perfectly with a soft, gooey center. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for a new twist on classic cookies, these treats are sure to become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create these irresistible Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. Each ingredient plays an important role—from the zing of lemon cake mix to the creamy texture of softened cream cheese, every element comes together to create the signature gooeyness and fresh lemon flavor.
- Lemon cake mix: Provides the vibrant lemon flavor and a tender crumb texture that’s key to these cookies.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and moisture, creating that deliciously gooey interior you’ll love.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Enhances flavor and helps with the soft, chewy texture.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract: Balances the citrus with subtle warmth and depth.
- Lemon extract: Boosts the fresh lemon flavor without overpowering.
- Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the cookie dough balls to create a beautiful crackled surface and add a touch of sweetness.
- Lemon zest (optional): Sprinkled on top to intensify citrus aroma and add a decorative flair.
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) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking, setting the stage for perfect baking every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This combination is what gives your cookies that decadent, gooey texture that keeps people coming back for more.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients are the magic behind the structure and that irresistible lemony aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Incorporate the Lemon Cake Mix
Gradually add the lemon cake mix to your wet ingredients. Mix well until you have a consistent, sticky dough that’s bursting with lemon flavor and ready for a quick chill in the fridge.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and shape while enhancing the cookie’s texture once baked.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one generously in powdered sugar. This coating creates a lovely crackled appearance after baking and adds a delicate sweetness that complements the tart lemon.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and the tops show charming cracks—this is the hallmark of your gooey butter cookie.
Step 8: Cool and Add Final Touches
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra pop of vibrant citrus, sprinkle them with freshly grated lemon zest before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving is an easy way to elevate the presentation and aroma. You can also dust a little extra powdered sugar for a soft, snowy look that makes these cookies look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, especially classic Earl Grey or chamomile, which complements the lemon’s brightness. If you prefer coffee, a simple latte balances the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies on a pretty dessert tray with edible flowers or fresh lemon slices for a charming display at your next gathering. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect if you want a couple of treats on hand for quick cravings.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their signature gooey texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature and then warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This little heat boost brings back their soft, gooey center and fresh lemon flavor like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While lemon cake mix gives these cookies their distinctive tang, you could experiment with a yellow or white cake mix and add lemon zest for a subtler lemon flavor. However, the lemon cake mix gives the best taste and texture for this recipe.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking, resulting in that perfect gooey texture on the inside with slightly crisp edges.
Can I omit the cream cheese?
The cream cheese is essential for the signature gooey center and rich flavor. Leaving it out will change the texture dramatically, resulting in a more cake-like cookie rather than gooey butter cookies.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
If you can’t find lemon extract, you can increase the lemon zest slightly and add a splash of fresh lemon juice, but be cautious with the juice as it can alter the dough consistency. The extract ensures a more concentrated lemon flavor without extra moisture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and slightly firm while the tops have cracks but still look soft. The centers will look a bit underbaked, which is exactly what you want for a gooey interior—the cookies will firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s simple, quick, and yields cookies that feel both bright and indulgent at once. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or just for yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring a bit of sunshine and joy to any day. Get ready to fall in love with lemon cookies all over again!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are delectably soft and buttery with a burst of fresh lemon flavor. Easy to prepare using a lemon cake mix and cream cheese, these cookies combine tangy citrus with a rich, gooey texture that makes them irresistibly delicious. Perfect for springtime treats, afternoon tea, or any occasion that calls for bright and zesty sweets.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring a rich base for your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the large egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is well combined, adding depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the bowl, mixing continuously until the dough is uniform and fully combined.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and improving the cookie texture.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat them evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have developed small cracks, indicating gooey centers.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they keep their shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooled, optionally sprinkle the cookies with fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor contrast and visual appeal.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
