Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon gooey butter cookies! They’re like sunshine in cookie form—soft, chewy, and bursting with that bright, zesty lemon flavor that just makes you smile. I remember the first time I baked these for a family gathering; the moment they came out of the oven, the house was filled with this incredible aroma. Everyone couldn’t wait to dive in! Trust me, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in. You’ll want to make a double batch because they disappear faster than you can say “lemon!”
Ingredients List
- 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, plus extra for coating
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are nice and soft before you start; it really helps everything mix together smoothly. And hey, if you want to kick up the lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit of lemon zest to the mix! It’s all about that bright, tangy goodness.
How to Prepare Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Now, let’s dive into making these delightful lemon gooey butter cookies! It’s super simple and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying gooey, lemony goodness in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and well blended. It should be nice and creamy!
- Next, crack in those two large eggs and add the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is combined. You want a lovely, thick dough here!
- Now for the important part—chill the dough! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat them generously. This is what gives them that sweet, snowy finish!
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart. They’ll spread a little while baking, so give them some room!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just golden, and the centers look set. Don’t worry if they look a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting up and makes sure they don’t fall apart!
And there you have it! Gooey, lemony cookies that are sure to brighten your day. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any last-minute gathering.
- Bright, zesty lemon flavor that’s refreshing and uplifting.
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Only a handful of ingredients, making it effortless to whip up.
- Perfectly sweet with a delightful powdered sugar coating.
- Great for sharing, but you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon gooey butter cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the chilling step; it’s key for keeping your cookies from spreading too much during baking. If the dough feels too sticky, you can dust your hands with a little powdered sugar while rolling the balls. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated—this helps achieve that lovely golden edge while keeping the centers gooey. And remember, they might look a bit soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Enjoy the process and taste the sunshine in every bite!
Nutritional Information
These lemon gooey butter cookies are a delightful treat, and here’s a quick look at their estimated nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes. But with a treat this delicious, who’s counting too closely, right?
FAQ Section
Got questions about these lemon gooey butter cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While lemon is my favorite, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even strawberry. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will change a bit.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll want to look for the edges to be golden, while the centers might still look soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the dough being too warm. Always chill the dough for that 30 minutes; it really helps maintain their shape!
How should I store these cookies?
Store your lemon gooey butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, just freeze them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon gooey butter cookies fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Trust me, they taste just as good as when they were fresh out of the oven!
Serving Suggestions
These lemon gooey butter cookies are absolutely delightful on their own, but pairing them with something special can elevate your treat time! I love to serve them with a steaming cup of chamomile tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade for that extra zing. You could also try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries. Get creative and find your perfect pairing—these cookies are versatile enough to shine in any combination!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out this gooey butter cookie recipe or this creamy garlic butter chicken recipe for a savory twist!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon gooey butter cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor. They are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, cream cheese, and butter until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust the powdered sugar for desired sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 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
