These Delightful Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are the perfect way to transform a simple box of cake mix into something extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients, you'll have soft, lemony cookies that are sure to brighten your day.
Lemon cake mix: The star of the show, this mix provides the base and the lemon flavor. It's a great shortcut for quick baking.
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures a rich flavor and tender texture. It helps bind the cookies together.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and structure to the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
Lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemony aroma and flavor, enhancing the cake mix.
Lemon juice: A splash of freshness that complements the zest and enhances the overall lemon profile.
Powdered sugar: Coating the dough balls in powdered sugar gives the cookies a sweet, delicate crust that contrasts beautifully with the lemony interior.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, mix together the lemon cake mix, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything until well combined, forming a smooth dough. You can use a wooden spoon or an electric mixer, whichever you prefer.
Next, scoop out dough using a tablespoon to ensure even-sized cookies. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands. This is a great time to get the kids involved if they're around!
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until well coated. This step is crucial for achieving the delightful sugary crust.
Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. This gives them room to spread slightly while baking.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 9-11 minutes. You're looking for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, making it easier to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.