If you’re craving a bright, buttery treat that feels like sunshine in cookie form, these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are exactly what you need. Soft, rich, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, this easy recipe comes together quickly using simple ingredients and delivers bakery-style cookies with gooey centers and crackly sugar tops.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
These cookies are a favorite for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, thanks to lemon cake mix doing most of the work. Second, the combination of cream cheese and butter creates an ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Finally, the fresh lemon zest and juice add a vibrant citrus flavor that keeps every bite light and refreshing.
They’re perfect for busy weekdays, brunch spreads, bake sales, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special without extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these cookies:
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Gradually stir in the lemon cake mix. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each one generously in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Bake
Place cookies about 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. The centers will stay gooey as they set.
Easy Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies with gooey centers and crackled powdered sugar tops. Made with lemon cake mix, cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice—quick to mix, easy to bake, and perfect for parties, snack breaks, or a light dessert.
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add the lemon cake mix and mix just until a soft, sticky dough forms.
5. Optional: Chill dough 20–30 minutes if too sticky to roll.
6. Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon balls and roll each generously in powdered sugar.
7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
8. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are crackled (centers will look slightly underdone).
9. Cool on the baking sheet 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra lemon flavor, add 1/4 tsp lemon extract.
If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works; zest is optional but recommended.
For a fun twist, fold in 1/3 cup white chocolate chips.
Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Tips & Variations
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if it feels too sticky to roll
- Extra lemon kick: Add ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
- Sweeter twist: Fold in white chocolate chips
- Festive look: Add a pinch of yellow sanding sugar to the powdered sugar
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these cookies with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They’re wonderful for brunch platters, dessert tables, or afternoon snacks.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are proof that simple recipes can still feel special. With their soft centers, bold citrus flavor, and effortless prep, they’re a go-to dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for guests or just because, this recipe delivers every time.