If you are looking for a bright, zesty treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, the Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are wonderfully soft, bursting with lemon flavor, and unbelievably quick to whip up thanks to that trusty box of lemon cake mix. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or a cheerful dessert to impress guests, these cookies hit the perfect balance of tangy sweetness and tender texture every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of simplicity meeting flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the moistness imparted by the oil to the structure given by the eggs, resulting in cookies that practically melt in your mouth.
- Lemon cake mix (1 box): Provides the vibrant lemon flavor and basic structure, making these cookies effortlessly tasty.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and moist without overpowering the lemon essence.
- Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness for the perfect chewier bite.
How to Make Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by adding the lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to blend everything thoroughly until the dough is smooth and uniform. This step ensures every cookie will be packed with consistent lemony goodness.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
While not mandatory, chilling the dough for 30 minutes makes a world of difference. It helps reduce stickiness, making the dough easier to handle, and encourages the cookies to puff up beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat non-stick mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets you up for cookie perfection every time.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Form the dough into 2-inch balls, placing them at least 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Because these cookies spread while baking, giving them room is key to maintaining their soft, round shape. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This resting time helps them set up perfectly. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their fresh flavor and delightful texture.
How to Serve Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch that complements the tangy lemon flavor. A zesting of fresh lemon peel also adds a pop of color and aroma, making the cookies look as great as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your lemon cake mix cookies with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemon water for a light, balanced snack. They also work beautifully alongside a creamy vanilla yogurt or a dollop of lemon curd if you want to amp up the citrus theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a tiered dessert tray for a charming afternoon tea or wrap them individually in cellophane bags with a ribbon for delightful party favors. You can even sandwich two together with lemon buttercream to create mini lemon cookie sandwiches that wow every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover lemon cake mix cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they retain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This revives their fresh-baked softness and intensifies the lovely lemon aroma, just like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I add mix-ins to the Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding white chocolate chips, poppy seeds, or even a handful of fresh berries can add exciting texture and flavor without overshadowing the lemon base.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is recommended to reduce stickiness and help the cookies puff up, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it and bake right away—the cookies will just spread a bit more.
What kind of lemon cake mix works best?
Any boxed lemon cake mix will do, but opting for a high-quality brand like Betty Crocker ensures a consistent, flavorful base every time.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you can find a gluten-free lemon cake mix, this recipe can be adapted easily. Just be sure to check all ingredients for gluten content to keep it safe for those with sensitivities.
How do I keep these cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and spacing the dough balls 2 inches apart help control spreading for perfectly round cookies. Also, using parchment paper or a Silpat mat prevents sticking while baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about this Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe that makes baking feel both effortless and rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies bring sunshine and smiles with every bite. Don’t wait to try them for yourself – I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again!
Print
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are a quick and easy treat made from a simple lemon cake mix combined with eggs and oil. Slightly chewy with a burst of zesty lemon flavor, these cookies are perfect for a refreshing, citrusy snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box lemon cake mix (e.g. Betty Crocker)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric hand mixer to blend all the ingredients together thoroughly until the dough is well combined.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps reduce stickiness and results in slightly puffier cookies, though it is optional.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat non-stick mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and bake cookies: Roll the dough into 2-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Cool and store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is recommended but not mandatory; chilled dough produces puffier cookies and reduces stickiness.
- Spacing the cookies at least 2 inches apart is important as the cookies spread during baking.
- Use parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with a bright lemon flavor, perfect for spring and summer treats.
