Did you know that you can make cookies with a cake mix? It’s not just good for cakes, and these lemon cake cookies are distinct proof. This recipe yields soft, pillowy lemon cookies that no one will be able to resist. Think of them as being like the popular chocolate crinkles, but flavored with lemon. Seriously, these cookies are so insanely good, you won’t be able to stop at five! They’re melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the lemon flavor makes them so light, bright, and refreshing. Here’s the best part: they’re incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that anyone – even non-bakers – can pull off with ease. If you’re the ultimate lemon lover, you’ve come to the right place. These lemon cake mix cookies are sure to make your day.
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Lemon cake mix cookies are the lemon-flavored version of chocolate crinkles. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to the decadent holiday cookies, this recipe is exactly what you need. They’re slightly crisp on the outside and outrageously soft on the inside. So much so, that they will melt in your mouth as you take a bite. The flavor is perfectly sweet and packed with lemony goodness. They’re coated with powdered sugar, too, which adds a lovely contrast to the tartness of the lemon. Apart from their consistency and flavor, these cookies are also quite the looker. Those crinkly and crackly tops are absolutely adorable! The powdered sugar coating adds to the charm as well. Fun fact: ever wonder how crinkles form those cracked edges? It’s all thanks to the powdered sugar. As the cookies bake, they expand and spread in the oven. When that happens, the powdered sugar separates, forming the iconic cracked patterns. If you think they’re difficult to make, think again. You’ll only need five ingredients for this recipe. And the cookies come together in just 15 minutes from start to finish. They’re impossible to mess up, which is why you need not wait for the holidays to enjoy them. Feel free to make them any day of the year!
Ingredients
Lemon Cake Mix — The primary component of the cookies. Cake mixes sometimes get a bad rap from serious bakers. But who cares?! If you are a novice or need a quick shortcut, cake mixes are there to help. Eggs — They bind the batter and give structure to the cookies. They make them richer, too!Vegetable Oil — For super moist and chewy cookies.Lemon Extract — The cake mix is already flavored with lemon, but a bit more lemon flavor couldn’t hurt.Powdered Sugar — For coating the cookies. Apart from the added sweetness, powdered sugar also highlights those pretty cracks the cookies form as they bake.
Tips for the Best Cookies
Use an electric mixer for a smoother dough and chewier cookies.Add chocolate chips or shredded coconut to the mixture for more flavor and texture.You can use other flavors of cake mix, too! Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry – take your pick. Just add lemon zest or juice, so it still has that wonderful lemon flavor. The dough will be really soft and sticky, so to help you shape it easier, coat the balls with granulated sugar first. If the dough is way too sticky, put it in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before shaping to avoid over-spreading.For uniform cookies, use a cookie or ice cream scoop when shaping the dough. Do not bake more than one sheet at a time. Two or more sheets will prevent the cookies from baking properly. Don’t worry, these cookies bake quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to bake the 2nd batch.Do not over-bake the cookies! 6 to 9 minutes will do. You want them to be mildly crisp on the edges and still super soft and gooey in the center.
Can I Use Lemon Juice or Zest for These Cookies?
Yes, but you don’t have to. The cake mix is already flavored with lemon, so it will already taste like it. But if you want even more lemony goodness, by all means, go ahead! Now, if you’re wondering which one’s better: lemon juice or zest, there really is no right answer. Just keep in mind that lemon zest has a much stronger flavor than lemon juice. So if you want more flavor, go for lemon zest. If you want a mild hint of tartness, lemon juice is the best.
How to Store the Lemon Cookies
These cookies are so bright, refreshing, and addictive that you won’t likely have leftovers. But just in case you do, place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 7 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their lifespan for up to two weeks. Or, if you want to keep them around for months, put them in the freezer. Frozen lemon cookies will keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the cookies into the fridge until soft. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you like, but they also taste fantastic cold or at room temperature.
Can I Make Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze until firm. Transfer them into a freezer-safe bag and keep them for up to 3 months. When ready, just coat them with powdered sugar and bake as instructed. Click on a star to rate it!
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