Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with a rich, buttery texture. These cookies are famous for their gooey centers and are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual afternoon snack. With their melt-in-your-mouth quality and a hint of cream cheese, they are sure to become a favorite dessert in your home. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. First, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy lemon flavor, making them a refreshing treat. Secondly, the gooey centers create a delightful contrast to the slightly crisp edges, providing a unique texture experience. These cookies are also incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for beginners. Not to mention, they are a crowd-pleaser at parties, and they can be enjoyed warm or cooled down. The addition of cream cheese makes these cookies rich and decadent, ensuring that each bite is satisfying. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, catering to various dietary preferences.

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Ingredients for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Gather these items:

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar, divided
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Whisk together the flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined.
Step 5: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Coat chilled dough balls in powdered sugar and place on prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set, but centers look slightly underdone.
Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
Chilling the dough is crucial for the texture of the cookies; don’t skip this step!
For extra flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice.
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste; avoid bottled lemon juice.
Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and moist.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your serving game in various ways. First, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience. Second, serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. Lastly, consider arranging them on a platter with other desserts for a stunning dessert table at parties.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to bake. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies?

The secret lies in chilling the dough thoroughly before baking. This ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking, resulting in the perfect gooey center and crisp edges. Use quality ingredients, especially fresh lemon juice and zest, to enhance the flavor. Learn more about using fresh ingredients.

Can I make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure accurate measurements and don’t overmix the dough. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; removing them from the oven while the centers still look slightly underdone will help maintain their gooey texture. Check out more baking tips here.

Variations of Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies You Can Try

Feel free to mix things up with these variations:

Substitute lime juice and zest for a tropical twist.
Add white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the lemon.
Incorporate poppy seeds for a delightful texture.
Drizzle a lemon glaze over cooled cookies for extra sweetness.