When it comes to desserts, few things are as irresistible as a soft, chewy cookie with a rich, citrusy flavor. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these lemon gooey butter cookies, a delicious treat that’s sure to become a favorite. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for other lemon-based desserts, you might want to check out our lemon bar cookies, which offer a similar blend of tangy and sweet.
These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. As a result, they’re perfect for beginners or for anyone who wants to whip up a quick dessert without a lot of fuss. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring other lemon-based desserts, you could try our coconut lemon crumble bars, which offer a nice textures and flavors combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to love this recipe, from the simple ingredients to the easy instructions. However, one of the biggest advantages is the fact that these cookies have a rich, soft center that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Moreover, the lemon flavor adds a nice brightness and depth to the cookies, making them a great choice for anyone who loves citrus-based desserts. Moreover, for those interested in more lemon desserts, our lemon brownies are also a great option, providing a fudgy and flavorful experience.
Recipe
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Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 21 min
- Yield: 32 servings 1x
Description
Soft and chewy lemon cookies with a rich, citrusy flavor
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (115 g)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature (225 g)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (315 g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, divided (200 g)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder (15 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2 g)
Instructions
- Cream together the butter, cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl
- Add the sugar and mix until creamy
- Add the eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until light and fluffy
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough at a time, forming a ball
- Drop each ball into the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and roll the dough ball around until it is well coated
- Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet with room to spread, and bake for 11 to 13 minutes
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving
Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for the best results
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days
- You can also freeze these cookies for up to 2 months
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 11 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 141 calories
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 87 mg
- Fat: 6 g fat
- Carbohydrates: 21 g carbohydrates
- Fiber: 0 g fiber
- Protein: 2 g protein
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
The base components of this recipe include unsalted butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. These ingredients provide the foundation for the cookies, giving them their rich, creamy flavor and soft texture.
Sauce and Seasonings
In addition to the base components, you’ll also need some sauce and seasonings to give the cookies their citrusy flavor. This includes lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract, all of which add a bright, tangy flavor to the cookies.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Step 1
To start, cream together the butter, cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl. This will give you a smooth, creamy mixture that’s perfect for forming into cookies.
Step 2
Next, add the sugar and mix until creamy. Then, add the eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will allow the dough to chill and firm up, making it easier to form into cookies.
Step 5
Once the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough at a time, forming a ball. Drop each ball into the remaining powdered sugar and roll the dough ball around until it is well coated.
Step 6
Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet with room to spread, and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly, there are a few pro tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to use room temperature ingredients, as this will help the dough come together smoothly. Additionally, don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies.
Flavor Variations
While the lemon flavor is a key component of these cookies, you can also experiment with other flavor variations to give them a unique twist. Some options might include adding a hint of vanilla or using a different type of citrus zest, such as orange or lime.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for serving at a party or gathering, as they’re easy to eat and offer a delicious, sweet treat. You can also package them up in a cute container or bag and give them as a gift to friends or family members.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To store these cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for several days, making them a great option for a quick snack or dessert. If you want to freeze them, simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 calories | 6 g fat | 21 g carbohydrates | 2 g protein | 0 g fiber | 13 g | 87 mg |
FAQs About Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for several days, making them a great option for a quick snack or dessert.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store.
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus zest?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of citrus zest, such as orange or lime, to give the cookies a unique flavor.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these lemon gooey butter cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for anyone who loves citrus-based desserts. With their rich, soft center and tangy lemon flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite. So why not give them a try and see what you think?
