If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste just like Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. These cheerful little treats are bursting with bright lemon flavor, soft in the center, and coated in powdered sugar for that classic crackled look. Imagine the tangy freshness of lemon bars combined with the richness of butter cookies—and you’ve got the perfect sweet-and-tart bite.
They’re easy to whip up with simple pantry ingredients, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at spring parties, cookie swaps, or enjoying one with your afternoon tea. Their vibrant yellow color and citrusy zing make them a standout addition to any dessert tray.
Ingredients Notes
To make these cookies irresistible and perfectly gooey, you’ll need:
- Lemon Cake Mix – The secret shortcut to getting a consistent lemon flavor and soft texture every time.
- Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese adds richness and gives the cookies their gooey center.
- Butter – Unsalted, room temperature butter helps make the dough smooth and indulgent.
- Egg – Binds everything together and helps create a tender texture.
- Vanilla Extract & Lemon Zest – For added depth of flavor and a boost of fresh citrus.
- Powdered Sugar – Rolled onto the dough balls before baking for a pretty, crinkled finish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour | Calories: 150 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the lemon cake mix and stir until a thick dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
Step 2: Shape and Roll
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat completely.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Place cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops are crackled.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
🍋 Chill the Dough – This step is key for easy rolling and stopping the cookies from spreading too much.
🍋 Don’t Overbake – The cookies should still look a bit soft in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.
🍋 Zest It Up – Fresh lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor more than extract alone.
🍋 Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar – This not only adds sweetness but gives that beautiful crinkle.
🍋 Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – For the richest, gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
💛 Bright, Zesty Flavor – Perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet cookie goodness.
💛 Soft and Gooey Center – A melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels indulgent with every bite.
💛 Quick and Easy – Made with cake mix and simple ingredients, no fancy tools required.
💛 Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for springtime desserts, Easter, Mother’s Day, or just because.
💛 Beautiful and Unique – The crinkled powdered sugar top makes them look as good as they taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or lemonade for a refreshing combo.
- Serve alongside other spring cookies on a dessert platter.
- Stack and tie with ribbon for a cute gift bag idea.
- Add to your holiday cookie exchange for a pop of citrus.
Storing and Freezing
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- The texture stays soft and gooey, even after a few days.
Freezing:
- Freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- To freeze the dough, shape into balls (without powdered sugar), freeze, and coat in sugar just before baking.
FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! Try strawberry, vanilla, or even chocolate for fun variations on the gooey butter cookie.
Can I make them without cake mix?
Absolutely. You can use a homemade lemon cookie dough, but the cake mix gives these cookies their signature fluffy texture and ease.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll and stops the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally! This recipe doubles beautifully if you’re baking for a crowd or want extra to freeze.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane grater and only zest the yellow part of the peel—avoid the white pith underneath, which can be bitter.
Conclusion
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are everything a citrus lover dreams of—soft, tangy, sweet, and irresistibly gooey. Their crackled, sugar-coated tops make them as pretty as they are delicious, and thanks to a handy cake mix shortcut, they’re super simple to make. Whether you’re celebrating a sunny day or just need a little burst of brightness, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and a lemony zing to your day!
