If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers a bright burst of citrus with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are exactly what you need. With their soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and a powdered sugar coating that gives them a beautiful crinkle top, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious.

Lemon desserts have always held a special place in the hearts of bakers and sweet-tooth enthusiasts alike. These cookies offer a zesty twist on the classic gooey butter cookie, making them a perfect treat for spring gatherings, afternoon teas, or just to satisfy a sweet craving. If you’re a fan of our Soft Lemon Bars or Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, this lemony delight is a must-bake. Let’s get baking!

What is a Lemon Gooey Butter Cookie?

A Lemon Gooey Butter Cookie is a soft-baked cookie with a slightly chewy texture, rich with cream cheese and butter, and infused with bright lemon flavor. It’s rolled in powdered sugar before baking, giving it a crackly, crinkled finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Why “gooey”? It comes from the luscious combo of butter and cream cheese that keeps the center soft and rich even after baking. You might say, the way to someone’s heart is through a cookie tray—and these little lemon clouds will get you there in no time.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Butter Cookies

Bright and Zesty Flavor: The lemon zest and extract give these cookies a fresh, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness.

Soft, Gooey Texture: Thanks to the cream cheese and butter base, every bite is pillowy soft and full of flavor.

Easy and Elegant: With a short chill time and simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for both casual snacking and elegant entertaining.

If you’ve tried our Orange Creamsicle Cookies, this lemon version brings the same gooey goodness with a citrus twist. Get ready to fall in love.

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Quick Overview

These cookies come together with a simple cream cheese-based dough and a quick chill to keep their shape. A roll through powdered sugar just before baking gives them that signature crinkle look and melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 1 lemon, zested
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs, lemon extract, and lemon zest until fluffy.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, salt, and baking powder until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
5. Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Shape and sugar: Scoop out dough using a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop. If the dough is sticky, dip your hands in powdered sugar first. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
8. Cool: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

What to Serve with Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, lemonade, or a sparkling citrus cocktail. Serve them with fresh berries or alongside other lemon desserts for a themed dessert platter. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of extra powdered sugar can add an elegant finishing touch.

Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Butter Cookies

• Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and a better dough texture.
• Don’t skip the chill: It helps control spreading and gives you that perfect cookie shape.
• Generous sugar coating: Make sure each ball is well-coated in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle top.
• Watch the bake time: Pull them out when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underdone—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

To refresh cookies, microwave for 10 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and chill the dough up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
For best flavor, stick with fresh lemon zest and extract.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop and sugar the dough balls, then freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Conclusion

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a bright, buttery treat that brings sunshine to your snack time. With their soft texture, lemony zing, and sugar-dusted tops, they’re sure to become a fast favorite. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet, citrusy comfort of these delightful cookies!

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