Name: Delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Craving something sweet, zesty, and melt-in-your-mouth tender? These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies check every box. With their bright citrus punch, soft chewy center, and delicate sugar-dusted tops, they bring sunshine to any dessert spread. Whether you’re baking for a party or just need a mood-boosting treat, these cookies deliver pure joy in every bite.

Their appeal lies in the irresistible contrast: the crisp exterior meets a buttery, gooey center bursting with lemon flavor. They’re refreshingly different from your typical cookie, and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, a few essential tools will make the process smoother and ensure your cookies turn out just right:

Hand or Stand Mixer: Critical for creaming the butter and cream cheese smoothly, ensuring a fluffy, uniform dough.
Mixing Bowls: At least two — one for dry ingredients and one for wet. This makes combining the dough easier.
Zester or Microplane: Essential to extract that bright, fragrant zest from fresh lemons, which adds so much character.
Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Helps portion your cookies evenly, so they bake at the same rate and maintain a neat, round shape.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and encourages an even bake without over-browning.
Baking Sheet: A sturdy, flat pan to ensure consistent heat distribution while baking.

With these tools in place, you’re well-equipped to create lemony little clouds of happiness.

Ingredients for the Delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Every ingredient in these cookies plays a role in achieving that signature gooey, citrusy magic:

Cream Cheese: The secret to the gooey texture. It adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang.
Unsalted Butter: Offers a rich, buttery base that supports the cookie’s soft bite.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the cookie its classic sugary flavor.
Egg: Helps bind the dough while adding structure and softness.
Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice: The heart of the flavor profile. Zest brings aroma and intensity, while juice adds brightness.
Yellow Cake Mix: A clever shortcut that brings structure, sweetness, and a hint of vanilla without needing flour or leavening.
Powdered Sugar: For rolling the dough before baking, giving that crinkled, frosted top everyone loves.

How To Make the Delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. This step is key for a light dough texture.

Step 2: Add the Flavor and Structure

Mix in the granulated sugar until incorporated, followed by the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat well to combine all the citrus flavor evenly.

Step 3: Mix in the Cake Mix

Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined and a sticky dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Toss each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops have a cracked appearance.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up slightly but stay deliciously gooey inside.

How to Serve and Store Your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature when their gooey centers are at their prime. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of chamomile tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert moment.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They will keep their soft texture for up to 5 days at room temperature. If you want to preserve them longer, they freeze well—just layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temp and dust with a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies gooey in the center?

The key is to avoid overbaking. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice lacks the brightness and depth that fresh juice and zest bring to the cookies.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling is essential. It makes the sticky dough easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I use other cake mix flavors?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix enhances the lemon flavor, a white or lemon cake mix could work too, depending on how strong you want the citrus notes.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Make sure to check all other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to chill the dough long enough and bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.

Want More Citrus Dessert Ideas?

If these cookies sparked your love for citrusy treats, I have a few more you might want to explore. The Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a creamy, tangy swirl experience that’s just as delightful. For something even more summery, try the 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake, a no-fuss tropical bake that comes together in a flash.

Need something that leans into comfort food territory with a twist? The Apple Enchiladas blend fruit and spice into a cozy dessert. Or go ultra-light with the Easy Jello Meringue Cookies, perfect for a pop of color and airy crunch.

For breakfast or tea time, the Cinnamon Donut Bread is an absolute must-bake—moist, spiced, and sugar-crusted to perfection.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you give these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies a try, I’d love to know your take! Did you zest extra lemon? Add a twist? Leave a comment below and tell me how they turned out.

Want even more everyday dessert ideas? Follow along on Pinterest @LadyPlate where I share new treats daily.

Delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

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Description

These Delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a citrus-lover’s dream: chewy, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. Coated in powdered sugar and baked to golden perfection, they’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Ideal for parties, gifting, or when you just need a sunshine-filled sweet.