Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: a dessert that’s as bright and sunny as a summer afternoon, with pillowy-soft centers and a burst of zesty lemon in every glorious bite. These cookies pull together all the comfort of a traditional gooey butter cookie and infuse it with a pop of citrusy charm, creating a treat that always disappears quickly from any cookie tray. If you’re looking to bake a batch of pure joy—trust me, these are it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, but each one has a specific role in making these cookies irresistibly tender, flavorful, and beautiful. From the brightness of lemon to the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese, every item truly counts.

• Lemon cake mix: This shortcut ingredient brings tangy lemon flavor and the perfect sweet, moist base with no fuss.
• Cream cheese (softened): Gives these cookies their luxurious, gooey texture and rich taste.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds buttery depth and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create that perfectly chewy middle.
• Lemon extract: Intensifies that citrus punch and pairs with the cake mix for next-level lemony goodness.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth that rounds out the tart lemon flavors.
• Salt: Just a hint brings all the sweet and zesty notes into focus.
• Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates a pretty, crackled finish and a hint of extra sweetness on every bite.

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s already cozy and welcoming for your dough. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only makes clean-up a breeze but also ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies won’t stick and will bake up perfectly soft bottoms.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s creamy, light, and fluffy—about 1-2 minutes. This step is essential for creating the irresistible, gooey tenderness at the heart of these cookies. Don’t skimp on the creaming; it’s what gives every bite that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, lemon extract, vanilla extract, and salt to your cream cheese mixture. Mix until everything’s beautifully combined and smooth. The citrus notes in the lemon extract now begin to shine, promising big flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

With your mixer on low, slowly add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky—this is totally normal, and exactly what you want for the iconic gooey center of Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop the bowl into the fridge and let the dough chill for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. It’s worth the wait for cookies that bake up thick and tender.

Step 6: Roll and Coat

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough, rolling each scoop into a ball. Toss each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, letting the excess fall away. This sugar coating is what gives the cookies that signature crinkly, snowy exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls a couple of inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges look set but the centers are still soft and slightly gooey. Don’t overbake—underbaking is what keeps the cookies luscious and buttery inside!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your fresh-baked Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies rest on the pan for five minutes (they’ll finish setting up), then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, with their lemony aroma filling your kitchen, you’re only moments away from cookie bliss.

How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Crowning these cookies with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or an extra dusting of powdered sugar brings out their sunny color and zesty aroma. You can even press a sliver of candied lemon peel on top for a little wow factor at parties.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies with a mug of hot tea, a tall glass of iced lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. These little treats fit surprisingly well with fresh berries, too—the citrus balances perfectly with fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into the centerpiece of a dessert platter at your next gathering, tucking them amidst pastel meringues and berry tarts. Or, stack a few cookies and wrap them in cellophane tied with a yellow ribbon for a sweet homemade gift that always delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies as soft and luscious as the day they were baked by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—if they last that long in your household! Layering parchment paper between stacks will prevent any accidental sticking.

Freezing

If you want cookies on demand, freeze the unbaked dough balls after rolling them in powdered sugar. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When cravings strike, bake straight from the freezer, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll turn wonderfully gooey and taste as if you’ve just baked a brand new batch—delightful with a cup of tea or coffee!

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon cake mix instead of boxed?

Absolutely! While the boxed mix is convenient and guarantees uniform results, a homemade lemon cake mix works beautifully too—just aim for about 15.25 ounces and make sure it’s fairly fine and well-mixed so the cookies bake up soft and gooey.

What’s the best way to make the cookies extra lemony?

For more lemon punch, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough. The natural oils in the zest will amp up the tangy aroma and vivid flavor—your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies will taste like sunshine!

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential. This step makes the sticky dough manageable, prevents spreading, and helps achieve those perfect, thick centers that make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies so irresistible.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

If you can find a gluten free lemon cake mix that you love, use it as a one-to-one substitute for the regular cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so you can still enjoy these cookies even with dietary restrictions.

Why did my cookies come out flat?

Flat cookies usually mean the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter and cream cheese were too warm. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly, check your oven temperature, and try not to overmix once the dry mix goes in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat with a bright twist and a texture that satisfies beyond words, give these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies a try. It’s the kind of recipe worth sharing, baking, and making memories over—so preheat your oven and let the lemony baking adventure begin!

Print