Description
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, tangy, and delightfully moist treats made with lemon cake mix, cream cheese, and a hint of lemon extract. These cookies have a luscious gooey center with a crackled top, rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect for lemon lovers seeking a rich, buttery, and zestful cookie experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 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 even baking.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is combined thoroughly, infusing the dough with flavor and binding the ingredients.
- Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until the mixture is fully incorporated into a soft, smooth dough.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Scoop and Roll: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form 1-inch balls of the chilled dough and roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to coat them evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops develop characteristic cracks, signaling gooey perfection inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their soft texture.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle the cooled cookies with fresh lemon zest to add a bright, fresh burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Powdered sugar coating gives these cookies a delicate, sweet crust and enhances their appearance.
- Adding lemon zest on top enhances the citrus flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
