There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven, isn’t there? It’s like an instant mood booster! I absolutely love the joy of whipping up sweet treats, and let me tell you, *lemon gooey butter cookies* are one of my all-time favorites. They bring together that amazing sweet and tangy flavor that’s just impossible to resist. The first time I made these cookies, I remember biting into one and being completely blown away by the gooey center—oh wow! It was like sunshine on a plate, and I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. These cookies are not only quick and easy to make, but they’re also a delightful treat that can brighten anyone’s day. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients List
- 1 box of lemon cake mix – This is the star of the show! You’ll want to grab a standard 15.25-ounce box for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s nice and soft so it blends smoothly into the dough. This gives the cookies that rich, gooey center we all love!
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened – Similar to the cream cheese, you want this to be softened to room temperature. It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs – Fresh eggs are essential! They bind everything together and add moisture to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
- Powdered sugar for dusting – This is what makes the cookies look so pretty! It adds a sweet finish that contrasts perfectly with the tangy lemon flavor.
How to Prepare *Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies*
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake perfectly right from the start. Trust me, you don’t want to forget this step—it’s the foundation for those gooey delights!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Now, in a large mixing bowl, let’s combine that lovely lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, and softened butter. I usually mix it all together with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s well blended and creamy. You want it to be smooth but don’t overmix it! We’re going for a nice fluffy texture here.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in those 2 large eggs and pour in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! Mix it all together until it’s smooth and well combined—about another minute should do it. This step is crucial because the eggs help give the cookies their delightful texture, so make sure everything is thoroughly mixed!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Okay, here’s a little tip: after everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is key for achieving that gooey center we all love, plus it makes it easier to handle when we roll them into balls.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Once your dough is nice and chilled, take it out of the fridge. Now, scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Make sure to coat each ball generously in powdered sugar—it’s what gives the cookies that beautiful, snowy look! I like to roll them around gently in the sugar until they’re completely covered for an even coating.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place those sugary balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden, but the centers still look a little soft—that’s what we want for that gooey goodness!
Step 7: Cooling Time
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is super important, as it allows the cookies to set up just right. Trust me, letting them cool a bit makes all the difference in texture and flavor! Enjoy the delicious smell wafting through your kitchen while you wait!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re munching on:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
So, while these *lemon gooey butter cookies* are a delightful treat, they’re also a little indulgent. But hey, life’s all about balance, right? Enjoy every gooey bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time!
- Easy to follow: The straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels—trust me, you can’t go wrong!
- Flavorful: The sweet and tangy lemon flavor combined with that gooey center creates a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
- Crowd-pleaser: These cookies are always a hit at gatherings, and I guarantee they’ll disappear faster than you can say „lemon gooey butter!“
- Customizable: You can easily add your own twist, like lemon zest for extra zing or different toppings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies fit right in!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these *lemon gooey butter cookies*! Here are my top tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and good-quality cream cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Don’t skimp here; it’s worth it!
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for that gooey center. If you’re in a hurry, even 15 minutes in the fridge can help, but 30 minutes is ideal for the best results.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies! They should be lightly golden on the edges while still soft in the center. If they look too done, you might lose that gooey goodness!
- Store Properly: Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully—just layer them with parchment paper and seal them tightly.
- Adjust for Flavor: Want to kick it up a notch? Add some lemon zest to the dough for a brighter flavor! You could even experiment with a little bit of almond extract for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make great gifts! Just package them in a cute tin or box with a ribbon, and you’ve got a lovely homemade treat to share with friends or family.
With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your *lemon gooey butter cookies* will be a hit! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon is my favorite, you can easily swap in other flavors like vanilla or even strawberry. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will change, but the gooey goodness will still shine through!
How should I store the cookies?
Once your cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze wonderfully—just layer them with parchment paper and seal them tightly. They’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy these tasty treats without worry!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture. It’ll still add creaminess, but the flavor will be a bit tangier. Just be sure to use the plain variety!
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! If you want to jazz up your *lemon gooey butter cookies*, feel free to toss in some white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. Just remember not to overdo it—keep it balanced so the gooey center remains the star!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of those delightful *lemon gooey butter cookies*, you might be wondering how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! Here are a few of my favorite pairings that really complement that sweet and tangy flavor:
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, makes the perfect companion. The crispness of the tea balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Lemonade: If you’re feeling extra zesty, serve these cookies with a tall glass of lemonade! The citrusy punch matches perfectly and enhances that lemony goodness.
- Whipped Cream: For an indulgent twist, top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a creamy texture that complements the gooey center and makes them feel extra special.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad on the side adds a burst of freshness. Think berries, melons, or citrus fruits—anything that brings that summer vibe!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re in the mood for dessert on dessert, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream with the warm, gooey cookie is pure bliss!
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a fun twist, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies before serving. The rich chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the lemon flavor and adds a touch of elegance!
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these *lemon gooey butter cookies* are sure to be a hit. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just treating yourself to a sweet moment. Enjoy every bite!
Drucken
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies: 7 Sweet Reasons to Indulge
- Gesamtzeit: 42 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A sweet and tangy treat with a gooey center.
Zutaten
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, cream cheese, and butter until well combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 12g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: lemon gooey butter cookies
