⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 3,100 reviews)
📸 800+ gorgeous home baker photos | 🧁 Updated June 2025
Imagine biting into a cookie so soft, so citrusy, so downright heavenly, it feels like sunshine wrapped in sugar. These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of tangy lemon flavor, sweet creaminess, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll make you close your eyes with joy. Whether you’re baking for spring brunches, holiday trays, or just because—you’re about to fall in love.
📌 Quick Glance – Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🕒 Chill Time: 30 minutes
- 🍪 Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies
- 👩🍳 Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- 🍋 Vibe: Sweet, soft, citrusy bliss
⬇️ Jump Ahead:
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Baking Tips & Variations
- Real Baker Reviews
- FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need – Sunshine in a Bowl
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but amazing!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies – Step-by-Step
- Cream It All Together:
Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until combined. - Add Cake Mix:
Slowly add the lemon cake mix until a thick, sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix—just until combined. - Chill the Dough:
Refrigerate for 30 minutes so the dough firms up. This helps shape perfect, puffy cookies. - Roll & Coat:
Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar until generously coated. - Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them rest—they’ll firm up as they cool. - Cool & Devour:
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Try not to eat them all at once!
🍽️ Baking Tips & Irresistible Variations
✨ Pro Tips:
- Add a few drops of lemon extract for an extra citrusy kick.
- Use cold cream cheese for extra thickness in your dough.
- Don’t overbake! They should look slightly underdone in the center.
🍓 Flavor Twists:
- Swap lemon cake mix for strawberry or orange for fun fruity flavors.
- Add white chocolate chips or fresh raspberries to the dough.
- Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra elegance.
❓ FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
📝 Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with cream cheese, lemon zest, and cake mix, they’re easy to make and full of zesty flavor. Perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you crave something bright and sweet!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add cake mix and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Notes
For extra tang, add more zest or a splash of lemon extract.
Don’t overbake — cookies should be soft in the center.
These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
🔥 Nutrition Estimate (Per Cookie)
Nutrient Amount
- Calories ~140 kcal
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 18g
- Sugar 11g
- Protein 1g
