If you are a fan of vibrant, citrusy treats that melt in your mouth, this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. These cookies boast a luscious, soft center with a subtle tang from fresh lemon zest and extracts, coupled with a delicate sugar-dusted exterior that adds a perfect touch of sweetness. The blend of cream cheese and butter gives them an unforgettable gooey texture, making every bite an absolute joy. Whether you want an easy dessert for gatherings or a special homemade gift, this recipe delivers effortless charm and incredible flavor in every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to make these delicious cookies. Each component plays an essential role to achieve the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that signature gooeyness that makes the Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
- Lemon cake mix: Provides a bright lemon base with tender crumb and sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and a creamy texture that keeps the cookies soft.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Contributes moisture and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure without drying out the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- Lemon extract: Amplifies the citrus brightness to keep the lemon flavor front and center.
- Powdered sugar: Used for coating the dough balls to create a delicate sugary crust.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a fresh pop of citrus aroma and an elegant finishing touch.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfect baking temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, setting yourself up for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This mix is the heart of your cookies, providing that signature gooey texture you’re aiming for in this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients impart moisture and enhance the vibrant lemon flavor, making the cookies irresistibly fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate the Lemon Cake Mix
Gradually add the lemon cake mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until fully blended. This is where the batter comes together, giving the cookies their lemon-infused base and perfect crumb structure.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in powdered sugar. This coating creates a delightful crackled top and adds a bit of extra sweetness after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set, and the tops have beautiful cracks, revealing the gooey center inside.
Step 8: Cool and Add Finishing Touches
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you love an extra burst of citrus, sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest on top for a stunning and flavorful finish.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of lemon zest enhances the cookie’s tangy brightness beautifully. You can also dip half the cookie in white chocolate for added indulgence without overpowering the fresh lemon flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these gooey lemon cookies with a hot cup of chamomile or green tea to balance the sweetness, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert experience that’ll impress any guest.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with edible flowers or lemon slices to elevate the charm for parties. You can also stack them in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they’ve cooled completely, store your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their moist and tender texture holds up nicely for sharing throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting lemon gooey goodness any time.
Reheating
To warm frozen or stored cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven to bring back that soft, gooey texture that makes this Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While lemon cake mix is what gives this recipe its signature citrusy kick, you could experiment with yellow or white cake mix, though the lemon flavor will be less pronounced.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms up the mixture, making it easier to scoop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
If you don’t have lemon extract, you can increase the amount of lemon zest or add a little fresh lemon juice for fresh flavor, though keep the liquid minimal to avoid changing the dough consistency.
How do I make the cookies more gooey?
For an even gooier center, be careful not to overbake the cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers still look slightly undercooked.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe relies on boxed lemon cake mix, which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix or bake a lemon-flavored gluten-free cake from scratch and crumble it into the dough.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and downright delicious about these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe that it’s impossible not to fall in love. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring bright, sunny flavors and irresistible gooey texture to your kitchen any day of the week. I promise, once you try these cookies, they will quickly become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, tangy, and irresistibly buttery treats infused with bright lemon flavor. Made from a lemon cake mix combined with cream cheese and butter, they bake into gooey, melt-in-your-mouth delights with a crackled powdered sugar coating. Perfect for lemon lovers seeking a quick and easy cookie recipe with a rich and tender texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Coating and Garnish
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a velvety dough base.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract into the cream cheese mixture, beating until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate Lemon Cake Mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is fully blended and uniform in texture.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Form Dough Balls and Coat: Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar thoroughly to create a sweet, crackled coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are cracked but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Garnish: Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with lemon zest for an extra burst of fresh lemon flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential—it helps maintain the gooey texture while preventing excessive spreading.
- Rolling in powdered sugar gives the cookies a beautiful crackled appearance and a sweet finish.
- If lemon zest is not available or preferred, you may omit it or substitute with finely grated orange zest for a different citrus twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract or a tablespoon more lemon zest into the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
