Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon gooey butter cookies! They’re a little slice of sunshine that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, the moment you take a bite, you’ll be hit with that bright, zesty lemon flavor that’s both refreshing and oh-so-sweet. I remember the first time I made them; the whole house smelled like a lemon grove on a warm summer day. I couldn’t keep my hands off the dough, and don’t even get me started on how they taste right out of the oven! They’re soft, chewy, and have a delightful gooeyness that makes them utterly addictive. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last crumb has disappeared!
Ingredients List
- 1 box of lemon cake mix: This is the star of the show, bringing that lovely lemon flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture that mixes in beautifully.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Again, let this butter sit out until it’s nice and soft; it helps create that gooey goodness.
- 1 egg: Just one egg is all you need to bind everything together and keep these cookies nice and chewy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This is what gives the cookies their sweet finish and that delightful powdered coating.
How to Prepare Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get those lemon gooey butter cookies baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, and butter. Mix until everything is well combined, and you’ll get this luscious, creamy dough that smells heavenly!
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until the batter is smooth and cohesive. Now comes the fun part—chilling the dough! Pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, so don’t skip this step!
Once your dough is chilled, roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and then coat each ball in powdered sugar. This creates that lovely sweet crust that you just can’t resist! Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread.
Bake those beauties for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you go—delicious, gooey lemon cookies that will have everyone coming back for more!
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the chilling: Chilling the dough is key to achieving that perfect texture. If you skip this, your cookies may spread too much and lose their gooeyness.
- Measure accurately: Make sure you’re measuring your ingredients correctly. Too much flour or cake mix can lead to dry cookies!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the timer goes off. You want them set but still soft in the center.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add lemon zest for an extra zing or even mix in white chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful lemon gooey butter cookies. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on your specific ingredients, but this should give you a solid idea:
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are indulgent, but hey, sometimes you just need a little sweetness in your life! Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget—sharing is caring!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies come together in no time!
- Deliciously Zesty: The bright lemon flavor shines through in every bite, making these treats refreshingly sweet.
- Perfectly Gooey: The soft, chewy texture is utterly satisfying, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Make Ahead: These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can whip up a batch and save some for later (if they last that long!).
- Impressive Yet Simple: They look and taste like a bakery treat, but are simple enough for any home cook to master!
Variations
Now, if you’re like me and love to play around in the kitchen, you’re going to have a blast experimenting with these lemon gooey butter cookies! Here are some fun variations to spark your creativity:
- Lemon Zest: For an extra punch of citrus flavor, add a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon zest to the dough. It brightens up the cookies and gives them an aromatic twist that’s just divine!
- White Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love a little chocolate? Toss in some white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tart lemon. Trust me, the combination is heavenly!
- Blueberry Bliss: Mix in a handful of fresh or dried blueberries for a burst of fruity goodness. The blueberries pair beautifully with the lemon, creating a delightful summer vibe.
- Lavender Lemon: Add a teaspoon of culinary lavender to your dough for a floral twist. This unexpected addition gives the cookies a sophisticated touch that will have your friends asking for the recipe!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once your cookies have cooled, drizzle some melted chocolate (dark or white) over the top for an elegant finish. It adds a decadent layer of flavor that’s sure to impress!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique spin. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! While lemon is the star in these gooey butter cookies, you can swap it out for other flavors like vanilla or even chocolate. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will vary slightly.
What’s the best way to store lemon gooey butter cookies? These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare your cookie dough, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls and baking.
Why are my cookies not gooey enough? If your cookies aren’t gooey, it might be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them—once the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked, pull them out of the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Of course! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Just be sure to adjust the dough consistency slightly if you’re adding a lot of extras!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your lemon gooey butter cookies is super easy, and trust me, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 4-5 days. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies if you’re stacking them, so they don’t stick together.
If you want to keep them even longer (and who wouldn’t?), you can freeze these delightful treats. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the number of cookies you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat, as they’re just as tasty chilled!
However, if you prefer them warm and gooey, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give you that freshly baked vibe again. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might lose that lovely gooeyness we all love!
Imprimer
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Temps Total: 57 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Lemon gooey butter cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor.
Ingrédients
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, and butter until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into small balls and coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add lemon zest.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 100mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: lemon gooey butter cookies
