Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

why make this recipe

Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat bursting with bright lemon flavor. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a gooey, chewy texture and a lightly powdered sugar finish, they create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation time make these cookies an ideal choice for both experienced bakers and those new to making desserts.

how to make Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 cake mix (lemon or yellow)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add the cake mix, stirring until combined.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set.
  6. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

how to serve Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are great for serving at parties, family gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself at home. Enjoy them warm or let them cool down to room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a wonderful afternoon snack.

how to store Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them before enjoying!

tips to make Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

  • Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature; this will help you mix them smoothly.
  • Don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting – it adds a lovely sweetness and a nice visual touch.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon juice or zest.
  • If you want to make smaller cookies, adjust the baking time as they may bake faster.

variation

If you want to try a different flavor, you can replace the lemon cake mix with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like, but lemon or yellow works best for the lemon flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free cake mix to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free version.

3. How can I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set, but the center should still look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Deliciously easy to make, these cookies burst with bright lemon flavor, featuring a gooey, chewy texture and powdered sugar finish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz) Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding extra juice or zest.
  • 1 box cake mix (lemon or yellow)
  • to taste cup Powdered sugar for dusting Don't skip the dusting for sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add the cake mix, stirring until combined.
Baking
  1. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set.
  3. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 95mgSugar: 9g

Notes

These cookies are perfect for parties or as a special treat. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or freeze for up to three months.

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