If you’re searching for a cookie that sparkles with zesty flavor, irresistible softness, and a touch of nostalgia, look no further than Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies are a delightful marriage of velvety cream cheese, vibrant lemon, and a buttery richness, all rolled in a snowy layer of powdered sugar for an extra-special finish. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just to brighten an ordinary day, Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies bring sunshine to any table and are sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies is how effortlessly they come together with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, blending to create that signature tender bite and mouthwatering citrus aroma.
- Lemon cake mix: The shortcut superstar that provides instant lemon flavor and a soft, cake-like texture without any fuss.
- Cream cheese: Adds tangy richness and ensures every cookie stays irresistibly gooey and moist in the center.
- Unsalted butter: Brings buttery depth and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, giving structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of fresh citrus fragrance and flavor—don’t skip this step for maximum zing!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the lemon’s brightness with comforting, subtle warmth.
- Powdered sugar: Rolling each dough ball in this gives that signature crinkle top and sweet finish.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies won’t stick and will bake up with perfectly golden bottoms every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious, gooey base that sets these cookies apart from any ordinary treat.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Zest
Mix in the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The zest is where the magic happens, infusing the dough with fresh lemon fragrance that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Pour in the lemon cake mix and stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and look uniform. If you want an extra punch of lemon, now’s the time to add a couple drops of lemon extract or a bit more zest.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the bowl of dough into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough much easier to handle and ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies keep their plump, pillowy shape as they bake.
Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure every bit is covered—this is what gives the cookies their signature crackled, snowy top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This rest helps them set up without losing their gooey centers.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and a little flourish, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the cookies just before serving. You could also add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers for a charming finish that makes your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies look bakery-ready.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a refreshing cup of iced tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a scoop of lemon sorbet for a citrusy dessert spread. If you’re serving them at a brunch, they’re wonderful alongside a fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a tiered stand for a pretty afternoon tea display, or package them in cellophane bags tied with yellow ribbon for cheerful homemade gifts. For an extra-special touch, arrange them in a circle with lemon slices and mint leaves as a centerpiece for your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’re just as soft and flavorful on day four as they are fresh from the oven, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar) and roll them in sugar right before baking for fresh cookies any time.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey cookie, pop a Lemon Gooey Butter Cookie in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. This little trick revives their soft center and makes them taste just-baked, even days later.
FAQs
Can I use homemade lemon cake mix instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer a from-scratch approach, you can substitute a homemade lemon cake mix. Just make sure it yields about 15.25 ounces and includes both flour and leavening for best results.
How do I make the cookies extra lemony?
For even more zing, add a few drops of lemon extract or increase the amount of lemon zest in the dough. You can also drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for a tart finishing touch.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This step is key for achieving that perfect thick, gooey center.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Cream cheese is what gives Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies their signature texture, so it’s not recommended to swap it out. However, full-fat Neufchâtel cheese will work in a pinch and provide a similar taste and consistency.
Do Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies need to be refrigerated?
Although the cookies contain cream cheese, they’re safe to store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you’d like to keep them longer, the fridge or freezer is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your baking routine, give Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies a try. Their vibrant flavor, soft texture, and beautiful appearance are sure to win over everyone lucky enough to taste them. Bake up a batch, share them with friends, and get ready for plenty of requests for the recipe!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are irresistibly soft, tangy, and buttery with a luscious lemon flavor enhanced by cream cheese and a lemon cake mix base. Easily rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish, they are perfect for a quick and delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Flavors and Egg: Incorporate the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until fully combined for balanced flavor and texture.
- Combine with Cake Mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a thick dough forms that holds together well.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator and chill for 20–30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Then, roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a few drops of lemon extract or increasing the lemon zest slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For firmer cookies, bake an additional 1-2 minutes, but avoid overbaking to keep them gooey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
