Name: Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 73 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large 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

Introduction to Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

If you're in the mood for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and a zesty kick, look no further than Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies have become a household favorite for many, and it's easy to see why. With their rich, creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor, they make for the ultimate dessert or snack any time of the year!

Why Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are the Perfect Treat

What sets these cookies apart is their wonderfully gooey center, which is both comforting and indulgent. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest infuses them with a burst of citrus flavor. This delightful harmony makes each cookie a refreshing experience with every bite.

Not only are they ridiculously easy to whip up, but they also make for a thoughtful gift or an impressive addition to any gathering. Imagine serving these at your next brunch or potluck—your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!

For the complete recipe, be sure to check out our Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe. It's a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. So grab your mixing bowl, and let's get baking!

Ingredients for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Baking these delicious Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies is not just a treat but a joyful experience. To create these zesty delights, you’ll need a combo of rich and refreshing ingredients. Let’s break it down:

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – essential for that rich base.
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, also at room temperature – this will give your cookies that signature gooey texture.
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest – adds a vibrant, aromatic flavor that makes these cookies pop.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – enhances the citrus notes; fresh is key!
1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for sweetness that balances the tart lemon.
2 eggs, at room temperature – they help bind everything together beautifully.
1 teaspoon lemon extract – because more lemon is always a good idea!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth to the cookie flavor.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the backbone of this cookie mixture.
1 cup powdered sugar, divided – for that delightful finishing touch.
3 teaspoons baking powder – to help your cookies rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt – just a pinch to amplify all the flavors.

These ingredients are easy to find and gather, making your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe a simple yet satisfying baking adventure! For top tips on baking with butter and cream cheese, check out Food Network's insights on dairy in baking. Happy baking!

Preparing Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Making Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies is a delightful journey into the world of baking that’s not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. These cookies are soft, gooey, and bursting with lemony goodness! Let’s break down the steps you’ll need for this fabulous recipe.

Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and your trusty mixer. Beat together ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, both of which should be at room temperature. This combination creates a rich, creamy base for your cookies. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. The texture should be smooth, almost like a cloud of deliciousness!

Add the Zesty Ingredients

Next, enhance that creamy mixture by adding 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice—these zesty ingredients are what make your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies truly special. Follow this with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of lemon extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until combined—this will bring out the citrus aroma that fills the kitchen!

Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Gradually add these dry goods to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to keep that delightful gooey texture intact. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and that’s definitely not what we want!

Chill the Dough

Once everything is mixed, it’s time for a little chill time! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps in controlling the spread of the cookies when baked, ensuring they remain pillowy soft and chewy.

Shape and Coat the Cookies

After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll the dough into balls and then drop them into ½ cup powdered sugar. Ensure they are fully coated—this gives your cookies that signature sweet, snowy crust!

Bake to Perfection

Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet with enough space between them for spreading. Bake in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You're looking for a lightly golden bottom with a soft center. Once done, allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack before indulging.

Isn't baking a joy? With each step, you become more adept and ready for another round of your beloved Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe! For even more tips on baking, check out The Spruce Eats and Food Network for expert advice. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Variations on Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cookies
Elevate your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe by adding fresh blueberries. Simply fold in about a cup of blueberries into the cookie dough before refrigerating. This adds a burst of flavor and beautiful color. The tartness of blueberries complements the zesty lemon perfectly, creating a delightful balance. Plus, who can resist that pop of fruitiness?

Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Cookies
If you're a fan of coconut, try incorporating shredded coconut into the mix. Replace half a cup of flour with coconut for a unique twist that makes your cookies chewy and fragrant. This variation transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite, merging the tanginess of lemon with the sweet essence of coconut.

Try out these creative takes on this classic recipe, and don't forget to share your favorites!

Baking Tips for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Baking Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies is a delightful experience, but here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. Too much can make your cookies dense.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth batter.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them in the oven. You want a soft and gooey texture, so take them out just as they begin to lightly brown.

For more tips and techniques, check out resources on baking from Serious Eats or King Arthur Baking. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Here are some friendly ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Pair with Tea: The light, tangy flavor of these cookies complements a warm cup of chamomile or green tea perfectly. It's a match made in flavor heaven!
Add Fresh Berries: Serve your cookies alongside a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. Strawberries or blueberries can make the flavors pop and add a burst of color to your plate.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Feeling adventurous? Make ice cream sandwiches with a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a cool dessert that’s perfect for warm days.

Each of these serving suggestions enhances the experience, making your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe a perfect addition to any gathering!

Time Breakdown for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Preparation Time

Preparing for your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe only takes about 20 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients and mixing the dough until it’s creamy and well blended.

Baking Time

Once you've shaped your dough, the baking process is quick! Expect approximately 11 to 13 minutes for these cookies to rise and take on that beautiful golden hue.

Total Time

In total, you're looking at about 1 hour from start to finish, including the 30-minute chill time for your dough. This makes it a perfect treat when you need something sweet without committing a whole afternoon!

Nutritional Facts for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

When you make these delightful Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, knowing their nutritional facts can help you enjoy them guilt-free. Here’s a quick look at what each cookie offers:

Calories

Each cookie packs a delightful 141 calories, making it a sweet treat without too much indulgence.

Total Fat

These cookies contain about 5.7 grams of total fat. That’s a nice balance for a dessert, keeping things rich but not overwhelming.

Sugars

With 13.3 grams of sugar, these cookies satisfy your sweet tooth while still allowing a hint of tang from the lemon.

Enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat or share them with friends—either way, they'll be a hit! For healthier alternatives, check out resources like Healthy Eating for more tips and ideas.

FAQs about Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

How can I make my cookies more gooey?
To achieve that perfectly gooey texture in your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Additionally, letting the dough chill for the recommended time helps maintain that delightful gooeyness.

Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
Absolutely! While the classic Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe features bright lemon flavor, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit. Each will impart a unique zest and twist to your cookies.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?
For maximum freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If properly sealed, they can last for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for an extended shelf life, but bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy that luscious gooeyness!

Conclusion on Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

The Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe offers a delightful burst of flavor and is perfect for any occasion. Their rich, creamy texture paired with zesty lemon notes makes them a hit among friends and family. So grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy the sweet smiles they bring!