Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies boast a soft, buttery texture with a bright lemon flavor, perfect for any lemon lover. Made with a lemon cake mix and cream cheese, these cookies are delightfully gooey inside and slightly crisp on the edges, making them an irresistible treat for gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Coating and Garnish
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, providing a rich base for the cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until all ingredients are well combined to blend flavors thoroughly.
- Mix in Cake Mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until the dough is fully incorporated and uniform in texture.
- Chill Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps in easy handling and better cookie shape during baking.
- Form Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to create a sweet, crackly coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops display characteristic cracks, indicating perfect gooey centers.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the texture firms up just right.
- Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the cooled cookies with fresh lemon zest to enhance their lemony aroma and add a pop of color before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Rolling the dough in powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature crackled surface and adds a touch of sweetness.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the dough itself or increase the lemon extract slightly.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
