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Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

by Sara

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft, Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of tangy citrus flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are made with cream cheese and real lemon zest for a rich, buttery base and a fresh pop of lemon in every bite. Rolled in powdered sugar and baked until just set, they boast crinkled tops and a chewy, gooey center that’s simply divine.

If you loved our Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies or classic Lemon Bars, you’re going to be hooked on these sunshine-filled treats. Perfect for springtime baking, brunches, or whenever you need a cheerful bite of sweetness!

What Are Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies?

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are soft-baked cookies made with cream cheese, butter, and lemon zest, rolled in powdered sugar before baking. The result is a cookie that’s delicately crisp on the outside and tender, almost fudgy inside. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies deliver heart-stealing sweetness in every bite. They’re a bright twist on classic gooey butter cookies with a citrusy flair!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Here’s why these lemon cookies deserve a spot in your cookie jar:

  • Fresh, bright flavor: Real lemon zest and extract for bold citrus taste.
  • Soft and chewy texture: Cream cheese adds richness and gooey goodness.
  • Picture-perfect: Powdered sugar creates a crackled finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

If you love tangy treats and soft-baked cookies, this recipe is a must-try. Each bite is like a little burst of sunshine!

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Quick Overview

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch of cookies that look bakery-worthy and taste even better. Chill the dough, roll it in sugar, and bake to perfection!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until creamy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs and lemon extract until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon zest.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture and mix until well combined.
  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Prep and Roll: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop dough into 2 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
  6. Bake: Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are set and tops are crackled.
  7. Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

What to Serve with Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of tea, lemonade, or a glass of cold milk. Serve them at baby showers, bridal brunches, or as a cheerful addition to any cookie platter. They also make delightful gifts wrapped in cellophane bags with a bright ribbon!

Top Tips for Perfect Lemon Cookies

  • Use fresh lemon zest: It adds natural citrus oil and the brightest lemon flavor.
  • Chill the dough: Helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that signature texture.
  • Generously roll in sugar: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar for that classic crackled look.
  • Avoid overbaking: They should look slightly underbaked in the center for maximum gooeyness.
  • Customize the flavor: Add a dash of vanilla or swap lemon extract for almond for a unique twist.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freeze, layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of zest? Fresh zest is best for flavor, but you can add a bit of juice for extra tang if needed.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I skip the cream cheese? It’s essential for the gooey texture, so we don’t recommend skipping it.

Why roll in powdered sugar before baking? It creates that signature crinkle look and a sweet outer layer.

Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for best results.

Conclusion

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are the ultimate sweet-tart treat that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With their soft, citrusy centers and powdered sugar-dusted tops, they’re a sunny addition to any cookie tray. Bake up a batch and bring some lemony joy to your kitchen today!

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Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )
Serves: 24 Prep Time: Cooking Time: Nutrition facts: 160 calories 8g fat

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until creamy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Beat in eggs and lemon extract, then stir in lemon zest.
  3. Add flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until fully combined.
  4. Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set and tops are crinkled.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For best lemon flavor, always use fresh zest. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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