Description
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft, these Delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a sunshine-filled treat that’s perfect for any season. With their gooey centers and crackled sugar tops, they’re a delightful blend of tangy citrus and sweet indulgence. Made with lemon cake mix, cream cheese, and fresh lemon zest, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast treats, fun dessert ideas, or an easy recipe for a party, these cookies fit the bill. Ideal for breakfast ideas, snack breaks, or a light dessert, they’re a must-try for any food lover craving something bright and buttery.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined.
3. Gradually mix in the lemon cake mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into balls.
7. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until generously coated.
8. Place on baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.
10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Always chill the dough to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Coat your hands with powdered sugar to make dough rolling easier.
For best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice over bottled lemon extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, gooey butter cookies, easy recipe, lemon desserts, cookie ideas