Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: A Simple, Delicious Recipe

Lemon cake mix cookies are a fantastic blend of tangy lemon flavor and the convenience of boxed cake mix. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or want to impress guests with a refreshing treat, lemon cake mix cookies are a great option.

Why Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Are So Popular

The popularity of lemon cake mix cookies lies in their simplicity and bold citrus flavor. With just five ingredients, you can create cookies that are light, chewy, and bursting with zesty lemon. Not only are they quick to whip up, but the bright lemon taste also adds a refreshing twist that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you’re curious about other ways to use cake mix in cookies, this guide on using cake mix for cookies offers great insights and ideas to help you get creative in the kitchen.

Pair these cookies with some savory dishes from our dinner recipes for a complete meal, or enjoy them after a light snack.

Lemon is a widely loved flavor, especially in baking, where it adds a fresh, tangy contrast to sweet desserts. Discover more about the benefits of lemon in baking, including how its acidity can enhance flavors and improve the texture of your baked goods.

Ingredients for Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

To make these delightful lemon cookies, you will need:

• 1 (18.25 oz) package of lemon cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough)

For more dessert inspiration, check out other options on our dessert page, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Optional Add-Ins

• Add white chocolate chips or shredded coconut for extra sweetness and texture.
• Swap the lemon cake mix with vanilla or strawberry cake mix while keeping the lemon extract to maintain a citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and lemon extract until well blended.
3. Shape the dough: Scoop teaspoon-sized amounts of dough, then roll each in powdered sugar until fully coated.
4. Bake: Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 6-9 minutes. The cookies should be crisp on the edges and soft in the center.
5. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too sticky, which will help prevent over-spreading during baking.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add lemon zest or a hint of lavender to the dough.
• To ensure even baking, bake one cookie sheet at a time.

How to Store Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

If you have leftovers (though that might be rare!), here’s how to store them:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Refrigeration: Extend freshness by storing the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Check out our recipe page for more tasty ideas to pair with these cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

Yes, but keep in mind that lemon zest or extract offers a more concentrated flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, use lemon juice.

Why do my cookies spread too much during baking?

This could be due to the dough being too warm. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Can I use other flavors of cake mix?

Absolutely! Try vanilla, chocolate, or even strawberry cake mix. Just add a bit of lemon extract or zest to keep the citrus flavor present.

Nutritional Information

Each lemon cake mix cookie is approximately:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugar: 10g

For a healthier option, consider swapping out the vegetable oil for coconut oil or using almond flour in place of some of the cake mix.