Description
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft — these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect mix of creamy richness and citrus zing. With their signature powdered sugar coating and gooey centers, they’re the kind of cookie that disappears as soon as they hit the plate. Ideal for spring and summer baking, these cookies come together with simple ingredients and bring a bakery-level treat to your kitchen. Whether you’re hunting for quick breakfast treats, easy dessert ideas, or unique snack recipes, this easy cookie recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, dust with more powdered sugar before serving.