This scrumptious lemon cake mix cookie recipe is a delightful treat for the senses. The tangy sweetness of lemon paired with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie is a combination that will leave you craving for more. A definite must-try for all dessert lovers out there.
All ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, since the lemon extract is a key element of this recipe, make sure to choose a variety with a fresh and vibrant flavor. Furthermore, be sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, which will ensure a smoother batter.
Ingredients for Lemon Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
Lemon cake mix: This serves as the base of the cookie, providing a lovely lemon flavor and a tender crumb.
Butter: Adds richness and moistness to the cookies.
Lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor of the cookies, making them refreshing and tangy.
Cream cheese: Gives the cookies a creamy, tangy flavor and a soft texture.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding all the ingredients together.
Powdered sugar: Used for dusting the cookies for an added sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.
One reader, Jedd Steffen says:
This lemon cake mix cookie recipe is a game-changer! The cookies turned out so soft and flavorful. The lemon extract adds a refreshing zing, and the powdered sugar coating gives them a delightful sweetness. They were a hit with my family and friends. I'll definitely be making these again!
Techniques Required for Perfect Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
How to prepare the dough: Combine the butter, lemon extract, egg, and cream cheese in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy. Then, add the lemon cake mix and beat until the mixture is smooth.
How to chill the dough: After preparing the dough, place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
How to shape the cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1/2-1 inch balls and then dip them in powdered sugar. Place the coated dough balls on a greased cookie sheet.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes until they are set and lightly golden.
How to serve the cookies: Once baked, sift powdered sugar over the cookies if desired, and then they are ready to be enjoyed.
How To Make Lemon Cake Mix Cookie
Lemon cake mix gives this cookie recipe its signature zesty flavor. The cream cheese gives it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1boxlemon cake mix
- ½cupbutter,softened
- ½tsplemon extract
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- 1egg
- powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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With a hand mixer, beat butter, lemon extract, egg, and cream cheese until fluffy. Add in cake mix and beat until smooth.
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Chill in fridge for 30 minutes.
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Add half a cup powdered sugar to a small bowl. Roll dough into ½-1 inch balls and dip in powdered sugar. Placed on greased cookie sheet.
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Bake for 12 to 13 minutes. Sift with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 107.56kcal
- Fat: 8.04g
- Saturated Fat: 4.43g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Carbohydrates: 8.24g
- Fiber: 0.00g
- Sugar: 0.61g
- Protein: 1.11g
- Cholesterol: 27.23mg
- Sodium: 62.16mg
- Calcium: 13.89mg
- Potassium: 30.87mg
- Iron: 0.26mg
- Vitamin A: 69.80µg
- Vitamin C: 0.05mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Best Texture
When rolling the dough into balls, try to keep them as uniform in size as possible. This will ensure that all your cookies bake evenly and come out of the oven at the same time. If you're having trouble, consider using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to measure out the dough.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Prep ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help ensure uniform cookie sizes, resulting in even baking.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the cookie dough and freezing half for future use. Just thaw and bake when needed.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature to expedite the mixing process.
Parchment paper: Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
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lemon cake mix – Substitute with vanilla cake mix: Vanilla cake mix can provide a neutral base for the cookie recipe, and the lemon flavor can be added using lemon extract or zest.
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butter – Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar fat content and texture to the cookies.
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lemon extract – Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for lemon extract to provide a natural lemon flavor to the cookies.
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cream cheese – Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy element similar to cream cheese in the cookie recipe.
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egg – Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs to add moisture and binding properties to the cookie dough.
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powdered sugar – Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar in the cookie recipe, although the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
How to Beautifully Present Your Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
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Elevate the plating: When presenting the cookies, arrange them on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant yellow color of the lemon cookies to pop against the backdrop. The use of negative space can help draw attention to the cookies and create a visually appealing presentation.
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Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the plate with delicate edible flowers or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest. These subtle accents can enhance the overall visual appeal and add a hint of elegance to the presentation.
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Opt for minimalist elegance: Embrace a minimalist approach by using sleek, modern plating techniques. Consider arranging the cookies in a linear fashion or using geometric patterns to create a visually striking presentation that exudes elegance and refinement.
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Balance the composition: Pay attention to the balance of colors and shapes on the plate. Aim for a harmonious composition by arranging the cookies in a visually pleasing manner, ensuring that the presentation is both aesthetically pleasing and balanced.
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Utilize complementary accompaniments: Pair the cookies with a complementary element, such as a quenelle of lemon sorbet or a dollop of whipped cream. This addition not only enhances the flavor profile but also elevates the overall presentation with thoughtful accompaniments.
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Emphasize precision: Focus on precision when plating the cookies. Use culinary tweezers to delicately position any garnishes or decorative elements, ensuring that every detail is meticulously arranged to showcase the artistry and skill behind the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cake Mix Cookies
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Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing the batter.
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Hand mixer: Used to beat the butter, lemon extract, egg, and cream cheese until fluffy, and to ensure a smooth batter.
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Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients.
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Baking sheet: To place the cookie dough balls for baking.
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Sifter: For sifting powdered sugar over the baked cookies, if desired.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
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Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
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To keep the cookies fresh for longer, place a piece of bread in the container with them. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies crisp and delicious.
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If you want to store the cookies for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option:
- Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the cookies are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
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Frozen lemon cake mix cookies can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
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If you prefer a slightly warmed cookie, you can place the thawed cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover lemon cake mix cookies:
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Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crispy around the edges. This method helps restore the cookies' original texture and ensures even heating throughout.
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Microwave method: If you're short on time, you can reheat the cookies in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cookies to become rubbery. For best results, reheat the cookies one at a time.
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Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and crispy. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy center.
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Stovetop method: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Place the cookies in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly soft. This method is ideal for those who prefer a softer, chewier texture.
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Room temperature: If you don't mind waiting, you can simply let the cookies come to room temperature naturally. This method takes longer but allows the flavors to develop and ensures the cookies retain their original texture. Leave the cookies out on a plate for 30-60 minutes before enjoying.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
The lemon cake mix cookie recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the sweetness of powdered sugar. This recipe is perfect for those who love citrusy desserts and is a great way to use a cake mix in a unique way. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy texture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy. These cookies are a wonderful option for a quick and delicious dessert, and they can be enjoyed by anyone who loves lemon flavored treats.
Are Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Budget-Friendly?
The cost-effectiveness of this lemon cake mix cookie recipe is quite high, as the ingredients are relatively affordable and commonly found in households. The use of a cake mix as the base ingredient helps to keep the cost down, and the addition of lemon extract and cream cheese adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-12, making it a budget-friendly treat. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Are Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This lemon cake mix cookie recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients – cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar – are all high in sugar, fat, and calories. The recipe lacks any nutritious ingredients like whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Consuming these cookies in excess could contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce the fat content
- Use a sugar-free or low-sugar cake mix to decrease the overall sugar content
- Incorporate some whole wheat flour or almond flour into the mix for added fiber and nutrients
- Add some grated lemon zest for extra flavor and a boost of vitamin C
- Experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit instead of powdered sugar
- Reduce the portion size and enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delightful taste of lemon cookies while minimizing the potential negative health impacts. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulging in sweet treats!
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Lemon Cookie Recipe
This lemon cake mix cookie recipe is a delightful and easy treat to make. The combination of lemon cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and lemon extract creates a lusciously tangy and sweet flavor. The addition of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of sweetness and a beautiful crinkle effect to the cookies. The chilling of the dough ensures a perfect texture, and the final dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful finish. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy!
Enhance Your Lemon Cake Mix Cookie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Variations of the Classic Lemon Cake Mix Cookie
Appetizers and Entrées to Complement Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Why trust this Lemon Cake Mix Cookie Recipe:
This lemon cake mix cookie recipe is a delightful twist on traditional cookies. The use of lemon cake mix ensures a burst of citrus flavor in every bite, while the addition of cream cheese creates a rich and creamy texture. The incorporation of butter and lemon extract enhances the overall taste, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The chilling of the dough allows for easy handling and shaping. The finishing touch of powdered sugar adds a hint of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. Trust in this recipe for a delightful, zesty treat that will surely impress your taste buds.
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