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
Scale
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
