Why You’ll Love These Zesty Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
If you crave a dessert that perfectly balances bright citrus with decadent sweetness, then these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are your ultimate treat. They boast an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the signature gooey butter base, beautifully complemented by a vibrant lemon tang. Imagine biting into a cookie that is both tender and wonderfully chewy, with a glorious burst of fresh lemon flavor.
You will adore how effortlessly these cookies come together, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or elegant gatherings. Furthermore, their unique texture and irresistible flavor consistently impress everyone. These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies quickly become a household favorite; you will undoubtedly find yourself baking them again and again.
They are simply that good.
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 32 mins
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free Option Available
Description
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful explosion of bright, zesty lemon cutting through a rich, impossibly soft, and wonderfully gooey butter base. These cookies transport you to sun-drenched afternoons with their comforting flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
1 cup Unsalted Butter
8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
Zest of 2 large Lemons
2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
½ cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes
- Gradually add in the granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed in the dough
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined
- For easier handling, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes
- Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow dish. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough, roll them into balls, and coat with powdered sugar
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look soft
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor.
Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients ensures a smooth baking process. You will notice many common pantry staples on this list. Always choose fresh, high-quality items for the best results. For these delightful Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, precision with measurements truly pays off.
For the Cookie Dough Base:
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
* 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
* 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* Zest of 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For Rolling:
* ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
Substitutions & Variations
Experimenting with recipes is half the fun! These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies offer a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to adapt them to your preferences or dietary needs.
* Gluten-Free Option: Easily swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for optimal texture. The cookies remain delightfully gooey.
* Dairy-Free Alternative: Use a high-quality plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Many brands now offer excellent options that perform well in baking, allowing you to enjoy these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies without dairy.
* Different Citrus: While lemon truly shines, you can certainly experiment with other citrus fruits.
Try lime zest and juice for Zesty Lime Gooey Butter Cookies, or orange zest and juice for a sweeter Orange Gooey Butter Cookie experience.
* Add-Ins: Elevate your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies with extra flavors. White chocolate chips or finely chopped macadamia nuts add a lovely richness.
A sprinkle of poppy seeds also complements the lemon beautifully, adding a subtle crunch.
* Glaze It Up: For an extra layer of lemon flavor and visual appeal, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this simple glaze over the cooled Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
* Extract Boost: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough for an even more intense lemon flavor profile. This really enhances the citrus notes in your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
* Mini Versions: Form smaller cookie dough balls for delightful mini Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, perfect for a bite-sized treat or for a dessert platter. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Experimenting with recipes is half the fun! You might also enjoy making Mini Lemon Cakes With Lavender Glaze, which offer a delicious twist on lemon-flavored desserts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps carefully for perfectly soft, chewy, and zesty cookies every time.
1. Prepare Your Workspace: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually for 2-3 minutes. This crucial step contributes to the gooey texture of your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
3.
Add Sugar and Egg: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined and smooth. Next, crack in the large egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
4.
Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until the vibrant lemon zest is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This creates the signature bright flavor of these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6. Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can lead to tough cookies instead of tender Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
7. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling, especially in warm kitchens, cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
This firms up the dough, making the rolling step much simpler.
8. Prepare for Rolling: Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow dish or bowl.
This is where you will roll your cookie dough balls.
9. Form and Roll Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough.
Roll each scoop into a smooth ball, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Then, generously roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring it is completely coated. This powdered sugar coating provides a lovely crackled finish and extra sweetness to your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
10. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. They will spread slightly during baking.
11. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft and gooey. Do not overbake these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies; the “gooey” part is key!
12. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This helps them set without falling apart. Enjoy your freshly baked Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies consistently relies on a few key techniques. These tips from my Sweet Magnolia kitchen will help you master this delightful recipe.
* Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at proper room temperature. This means they are soft enough to easily indent with a finger but not melted. Room temperature ingredients cream together smoothly, creating an emulsified, airy base for your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, which contributes to their signature gooey texture.
* Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. You want your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies to be tender and soft.
* Fresh Lemon Zest is Key: Use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant, complex flavor of fresh. The zest carries most of the lemon oil, providing intense aroma and flavor to your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
Use a microplane for fine zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
* Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy when rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar. A thick, even coating creates those beautiful cracks on top and locks in moisture, ensuring the “gooey” factor of your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
* Watch Baking Time Closely: Gooey butter cookies are meant to be slightly underbaked in the center. They might look a little undone when you pull them from the oven. The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers should still be very soft.
Overbaking will result in a drier, cake-like cookie, losing that desirable gooey texture in your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
* Cool on the Pan First: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives them time to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking apart.
* Chill the Dough (If Needed): If your kitchen is warm or if the dough becomes too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This makes scooping and rolling much easier, especially for these soft Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
Achieving the perfect Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies consistently relies on a few key techniques. For a refreshing addition, check out my Lemon Blueberry Cake, which pairs beautifully with these cookies.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Luckily, these cookies store beautifully.
* Room Temperature: Store cooled Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can prevent them from sticking together.
* Refrigeration: For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
The cream cheese in the recipe makes them quite stable.
* Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze exceptionally well! Place cooled Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours).
Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
* Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Form the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag.
When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes beyond the original time. This is a great way to have fresh Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies on demand!
* Reheating: To enjoy a warm, freshly baked experience, gently reheat individual Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their wonderful gooey texture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the entire experience. Their bright, zesty flavor makes them versatile.
* A Hot Beverage: A classic cup of hot coffee, a soothing herbal tea (especially peppermint or chamomile), or a strong black tea provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet and tart cookie.
* Cold Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is always a perfect match for any cookie, and these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are no exception. The creamy milk balances the zesty sweetness beautifully.
* Fresh Berries: Serve a small bowl of fresh mixed berries – think raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries – alongside your cookies. The natural tartness and freshness of the fruit complement the lemon notes perfectly.
* Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream makes these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies an even more decadent dessert.
The warm cookie and cold ice cream combination is simply divine.
* Lemon Curd: For the ultimate lemon lover, a dollop of extra lemon curd on the side takes the citrus factor to the next level.
* Light Sorbet: A scoop of raspberry or passion fruit sorbet would offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing contrast to the rich, gooey cookies.
* Homemade Whipped Cream: A simple swirl of unsweetened homemade whipped cream adds an elegant touch and balances the richness.
* As Part of a Dessert Platter: These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies shine brightly on any dessert platter, especially alongside other smaller treats like shortbread or chocolate truffles, offering a lovely variety of flavors and textures.
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the entire experience. Consider enjoying them with a slice of Lemon Blueberry Tart to enhance the citrusy flavor.
FAQs
Here are some common questions I hear about these incredibly popular Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
What makes gooey butter cookies so “gooey”?
The signature gooey texture primarily comes from the combination of softened butter, cream cheese, and a generous amount of sugar in the dough. These ingredients, combined with the slight underbaking, create an incredibly soft, dense, and moist interior that truly melts in your mouth. This is what defines a true Lemon Gooey Butter Cookie.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you technically can, I strongly recommend using fresh lemon juice and zest for these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and lacks the bright, nuanced flavor of fresh lemons. The zest provides essential oils that contribute significantly to the vibrant lemon flavor and aroma. For the best Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, always go fresh.
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
Several factors can cause excessive spreading. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened, not melted. Too much softened fat can make the dough too loose.
Also, precisely measure your flour; too little flour leads to thinner cookies. Finally, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before rolling often helps prevent spreading, creating perfectly shaped Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies.
Can I freeze Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Alternatively, freeze the unbaked dough balls (after coating in powdered sugar) and bake them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This offers great flexibility.
How long do Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. If you refrigerate them, they will last up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best option, extending their shelf life to several months.
Are these cookies suitable for a party or potluck?
Definitely! Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are an absolute hit at parties and potlucks. Their bright flavor, unique texture, and beautiful crackled appearance make them stand out. They are easy to transport and universally loved, always disappearing quickly from any dessert table.
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that originated in the United States, characterized by their rich, buttery texture and bright lemon flavor. These cookies offer a unique twist on traditional butter cookies, making them a favorite for dessert lovers seeking a sweet and tangy bite; learn more about these delicious cookies in this cookie article.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note this is an estimated nutritional value per cookie, based on 30 servings per batch and typical ingredient values. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and exact measurements.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 2g |