There’s just something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The warm, sweet aroma that fills the house, the anticipation of that first bite—it’s a cozy experience that brings everyone together. Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cookie obsession: lemon gooey butter cookies! These little delights are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor that makes my taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made them; my family couldn’t get enough! They disappeared so fast that I barely had time to snap a photo. Seriously, if you’re looking for a treat that feels like sunshine on a plate, these cookies will become your new go-to. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
To whip up a batch of these scrumptious lemon gooey butter cookies, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are both softened—this helps create that dreamy, gooey texture we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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
That’s it! Seriously, how easy is that? With these few ingredients, you’re on your way to baking cookies that will brighten up your day and have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing these lemon gooey butter cookies! The process is super simple, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with cookies that are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting those cookies just right!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well blended; you’ll want a nice, smooth dough. Trust me, the smell is already divine! Once your dough is ready, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial—it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances that gooey texture we all adore.
After the dough has chilled, it’s time to bring it out. Drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread out. Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. The centers might look a little soft, but that’s what makes them gooey! Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before dusting with powdered sugar, and then enjoy your warm, lemony treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. It should be smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for that perfect gooeyness!
- Once chilled, scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. They may seem soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your lemon gooey butter cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! First, don’t skip the chilling step—it’s crucial! Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances that delightful gooeyness. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Also, always use fresh ingredients; it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you really want to amp up the lemony goodness, consider adding some lemon zest to the dough. It adds a bright pop of flavor that complements the cake mix beautifully!
Finally, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, so check your cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. You want those edges set and the centers soft. Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be a lemon cookie superstar in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of cookies ready to go in no time!
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies have that perfect soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth—trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
- Vibrant Lemon Flavor: The bright and zesty lemon flavor shines through, making these cookies a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in a batch, they’re great for parties, gatherings, or just to share with family and friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with lemon zest or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds for extra flair!
Honestly, once you taste these lemon gooey butter cookies, you’ll understand why they’ve become a favorite in my household. They’re simply irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful lemon gooey butter cookies! Each cookie is approximately 150 calories, which means you can enjoy them without too much guilt. Here’s a breakdown of the typical values per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes. So, whether you’re indulging in one or sharing with friends, you can feel good about these little bites of sunshine!
FAQ About Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Got questions about these delightful lemon gooey butter cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered! First off, how should I store them? To keep them fresh, just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long!
Next up, can I substitute ingredients? Absolutely! If you’re out of cream cheese, you can try using Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. And if lemon isn’t your thing, feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors like vanilla or strawberry.
Lastly, any baking tips? Yes! Make sure not to overbake them—the centers should look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool. And remember, chilling the dough is key for that perfect gooey texture! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon gooey butter cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week. If you find they aren’t disappearing as quickly as you’d like, you can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life a bit longer. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
If you want to enjoy them warm, reheating is super simple. Just pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll have that gooey goodness back! Be careful not to overdo it, though, or they might get too hot! With these storage and reheating tips, your lemon gooey butter cookies will always be ready to delight whenever you crave them.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these lemon gooey butter cookies, the options are endless! I love pairing them with a nice cup of afternoon tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade—it’s like a double dose of lemony goodness! If you’re hosting a gathering, consider stacking them on a beautiful platter and garnishing with some fresh lemon slices or edible flowers for a pop of color. It makes for a stunning presentation!
For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—imagine that warm, gooey cookie melting into the cold creaminess. Yum! Whether it’s a cozy family snack or a dessert table for a party, these cookies are sure to be the star of the show. Trust me, once they’re out, they won’t last long!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies 2: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon gooey butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a bright 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Let the cookies cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add lemon zest.
- You can use a different cake mix flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: lemon gooey butter cookies
