Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a perfect treat for anyone who loves a bright, citrusy flavor combined with the rich creaminess of butter and cream cheese. These cookies are soft, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet. They make a great dessert for parties, a snack for the family, or even a delightful gift for friends. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, baking these cookies is both fun and rewarding!

How to Make Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until combined.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and mix until everything is well blended.
5. Slowly incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, right after they come out of the oven or after they’ve cooled slightly. They can be served as a delightful dessert after meals or paired with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. For an extra special touch, you can add berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

How to Store Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

• Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.
• Allow the butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon juice and zest slightly.
• For a fun twist, try adding white chocolate chips or nuts to the dough.

Variation

For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice. This will create Orange Gooey Butter Cookies, giving you a delicious new take on this classic treat!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can try using gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it, and bake the cookies when you’re ready to enjoy them.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when forming the cookies.

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Print Recipe

Bright, citrusy Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies that are soft, gooey, and deliciously sweet.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the powdered sugar, mixing well until combined.
4. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until well blended.
5. Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Measure flour correctly to avoid dryness.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cookies, lemon, dessert, sweet, butter cookies