Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite

Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your taste buds. With just five simple ingredients, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and delicious dessert. This recipe, crafted by Jamielyn Nye, combines the convenience of a cake mix with the fresh, zesty flavor of lemons to create a cookie that’s both soft and chewy, with a light, citrusy tang that’s perfect for spring or any time you need a little brightness in your day.

The Joy of Lemon Flavor

Lemon is a flavor that can instantly lift your spirits. Its bright, tangy taste is refreshing and invigorating, making it a popular choice for desserts. In these Lemon Cake Mix Cookies, the lemon flavor is enhanced by using both lemon juice and lemon zest, giving the cookies a natural, vibrant taste that artificial flavors simply can’t match. The zest adds a depth of flavor that comes from the essential oils in the lemon peel, while the juice adds a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookie.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Lemon Cake Mix (15.25 ounces): The foundation of these cookies, providing both flavor and structure. Cake mix is a great shortcut that ensures your cookies are perfectly sweet and fluffy every time.
2. Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps keep the cookies soft. Measuring just under the ½ cup line ensures the dough isn’t too greasy.
3. Large Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and give the cookies their chewy texture.
4. Lemon: Both the juice and zest are used to enhance the lemon flavor.
5. Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): For rolling the dough balls, giving the cookies a beautiful, crackled appearance and a light dusting of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and set it aside. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies every time.
2. Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. This should be done carefully to avoid over-mixing, which can result in tough cookies. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Stir gently to incorporate. If you have the time, refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle since it will be less sticky.
3. Shaping the Cookies: Use a medium-sized cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This not only adds a sweet outer layer but also creates a beautiful, crackled effect on the cookies as they bake.
4. Baking: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Overbaking can cause the cookies to lose their soft, chewy texture, so keep a close eye on them. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons. Bottled lemon juice can have a duller taste and doesn’t provide the zest needed for that extra burst of lemony goodness.
• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes can make a big difference. This step is especially helpful on warm days or if your kitchen is particularly warm.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to these cookies is their soft, chewy texture. Make sure to take them out of the oven as soon as they are set and no longer look wet in the center. They should not be brown.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. To freeze, place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about two hours.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• With Tea or Coffee: The bright lemon flavor pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making these cookies a perfect afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet delicious dessert.
• For Gifting: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift that anyone would appreciate. They are especially nice for spring holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day.
• At Parties: These cookies are a hit at any gathering. Their bright color and delightful flavor make them an attractive addition to any dessert table.

Variations and Additions

While these Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are delightful as is, you can also experiment with a few variations to suit your taste:

• Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and a bit of added lemon flavor. To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
• Add-ins: Try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Different Cake Mixes: While this recipe uses lemon cake mix, you can try other flavors like orange or even strawberry for a fun twist.