Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these lemon gooey butter cookies! They’re like little bites of sunshine with their soft, chewy texture and an explosion of lemony goodness. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the most delightful citrus aroma, and I just couldn’t wait to take a bite. The moment I did, I was hooked! Each cookie is so buttery and rich, yet they have this perfect brightness from the lemon that makes them utterly irresistible. Trust me, whether you’re having a cozy tea time or a big family gathering, these cookies will steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 box lemon cake mix (the star of the show!)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for that rich, gooey texture)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (it’s gotta be softened for easy mixing)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (helps everything blend beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because a hint of vanilla never hurt anyone!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for that sweet, snowy coating)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for maximum zing)
How to Prepare Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies 2
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden edge. While your oven is warming up, you can get the rest of the prep done!
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, and softened butter. I like to use a hand mixer for this step; it really helps to break down any lumps and makes everything nice and smooth. Mix until everything is well incorporated and you have a thick, creamy texture. Oh, it’s going to smell amazing already!
Add Remaining Ingredients
Next, add in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it! Now for the fun part: stir in that freshly grated lemon zest. This is where you really amp up the flavor, so don’t skimp on this step!
Chill the Dough
Now, here’s an important tip: chill your dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and gives them that perfect chewy texture. You can pop it in the fridge while the oven finishes preheating. It’s just a little wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Shape and Coat
Once your dough is chilled, it’s time to shape those cookies! Roll the dough into small balls—about the size of a tablespoon. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. This gives them that signature sweet, snowy top and helps create that gooey texture inside!
Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft. It’s okay if they look underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool. Speaking of cooling, let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in! But trust me, they’ll be so much better if you let them cool a bit first.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth!
- Bursting with fresh lemon flavor that’ll brighten your day!
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations!
Tips for Success
- Always use fresh lemon juice when possible! It really elevates the flavor and makes these cookies sing with brightness.
- Make sure your ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and leads to a smoother dough.
- Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If your oven runs hot, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly to prevent over-browning.
- If you want extra lemony goodness, feel free to add more lemon zest. It’s a great way to customize the flavor to your liking!
- For the best texture, don’t skip the chilling step. It’s crucial for keeping your cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Common Questions About Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix brings that bright flavor, you can get creative. Try using a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a more subtle taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, a strawberry or orange cake mix could be delightful too! Just imagine how fun it would be to have a rainbow of gooey butter cookies!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be good for about 3 to 5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can pop them in the fridge. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before diving in again—trust me, they taste even better that way!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
You bet! Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic way to have these treats on hand whenever the craving hits. Just roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet first. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time straight from the freezer. You’ll have fresh cookies in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each lemon gooey butter cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these delightful cookies in moderation, and they’ll surely bring a smile to your face with each bite!
Serving Suggestions
These lemon gooey butter cookies are so versatile and can really shine alongside your favorite beverages or during special occasions! I love serving them with a steaming cup of herbal tea—something like chamomile or lemon ginger really complements that citrusy zing. If you’re in the mood for coffee, a nice medium roast or even a creamy latte pairs beautifully, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
They’re also fantastic for gatherings! Picture this: a sunny brunch with friends, and you present a platter of these cookies alongside fresh fruit and maybe some scones. Perfect, right? Or how about at a summer picnic? Trust me, these cookies will be a hit on any dessert table, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in. They bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies 2: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These lemon gooey butter cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix lemon cake mix, cream cheese, and butter until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in lemon zest.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for better flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon gooey butter cookies, lemon cookies, dessert recipes
