Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Discover the ultimate lemon-infused treat that combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemons with the irresistible gooey texture of classic butter cookies. These mouthwatering cookies are about to become your new favorite citrusy indulgence, perfect for brightening up any day with their sunshine-like flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Imagine biting into a cookie that's simultaneously crisp on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside, bursting with vibrant lemon zest and a rich, creamy texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delightful sweet moment, these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: A Citrus-Packed Cookie Extravaganza

This isn't just another cookie recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary sweet sensation. The magic happens when cream cheese, butter, and a lemon cake mix come together to create a cookie that's both decadent and refreshingly tangy.

Get ready to embark on a baking journey that will elevate your dessert game and leave everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

Complement your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies with:

• Freshly brewed iced tea
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Homemade lemon sorbet

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies:

Cream Cheese Magic: Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for the smoothest mixture.

Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. Avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest.

Chilling is Key: Don't skip the refrigeration step – it helps the dough firm up and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Powdered Sugar Coating: Roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar for that classic crackly, snow-dusted appearance.

Storage Wisdom: Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, gooey texture.

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 1 hour
• Baking time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Equipment: Large mixing bowl, electric mixer, baking sheet, parchment paper

Ingredients:

Cookie Essentials:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the mixture. Beat thoroughly until the batter becomes light, fluffy, and all ingredients are well combined.
3. Gradually incorporate the dry lemon cake mix and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. The resulting dough will be thick and sticky – this is exactly what you want!
4. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This chilling process helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
6. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls using your hands.
7. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a complete and even coating.
8. Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still appear slightly soft. Remember, they'll continue to set as they cool.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ready to Enjoy!

The result? Cookies with a crackly, sugar-dusted exterior and an incredibly tender, gooey interior that bursts with bright lemon flavor.

Storage Solutions:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture

Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delightful sweet moment, these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Their perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet, soft texture makes them an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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