If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delightful, look no further than the Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies! These wonderful treats pack a tangy punch with their zesty lemon flavor and soft, gooey texture that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Did you know that gooey butter cake originated in St. Louis during the Great Depression? Well, this recipe takes that classic concept and transforms it into a cookie that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
What makes these Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies special isn’t just their divine taste but also their quick preparation time that makes them perfect for baking on a whim. Family-friendly and simple to whip up, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time. If you’re accustomed to baking other classic cookies, like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, you’ll love the fresh twist that these lemony cookies bring to your dessert table. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a cookie that’s a little bit gooey, a whole lot tasty, and simply a must-try!
What are Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies?
So, what are these heavenly cookies that everyone seems to be raving about? Are you ready for it? The name “Gooey Butter Cookies” sounds like they came from the imagination of a candy-loving child, and guess what? They just might have! Legend has it these cookies are named for their delightfully gooey centers that truly melt in your mouth. You might find yourself asking, “Can something this delicious really be this easy to make?” The answer is a resounding yes! After all, isn’t it true what they say – the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? These cookies are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. So why not grab your mixing bowl and give them a try? You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are all about simplicity infused with that bursting lemon flavor you didn’t know you were craving. The standout aspect of these cookies is how perfectly they balance gooeyness with a delightful crispness on the edges. Every bite offers an explosion of flavor that’s bright and refreshing!
Making them at home is also a cost-friendly option compared to store-bought cookies, plus you know exactly what goes into them. No preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just pure, zesty goodness! These cookies hold their own when compared to their chocolatey cousins, like classic chocolate chip cookies, offering a light and refreshing twist to the standard cookie lineup. So, gather your ingredients and have some fun whipping up a batch of these delicious cookies today!
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Quick Overview
The beauty of Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity. They’re not just easy to make; they offer a lovely balance of texture and flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes; that’s less time than you’d spend waiting for a pizza to arrive!
Key Ingredients for Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butters: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add in the eggs and mix properly, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Flavor It Up: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. This is where the cookie flavor will really start to shine!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes, so it’s easier to handle.
- Roll and Bake: Form the chilled dough into small balls, roll each one in granulated sugar, and place them on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the gooeyness!
What to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies With
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are fantastic on their own but can be enhanced with a few delightful companions. Think refreshing iced tea or a light lemonade that mirrors that zesty flavor explosion. Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also take them to the next level, offering a delicious contrast between cold and gooey. For a touch of whimsy, serve them alongside a fruit platter that complements their citrus notes!
Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
To ensure your Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies turn out nothing short of amazing, here are some pro tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be gooey. Remember to take them out of the oven while they still look soft in the center.
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, extend the refrigeration time. This will make it easier to roll the cookies.
- Experimenting with Flavors: Feel free to mix up the lemon zest with other citrus zests to give your cookies a fun twist – orange or lime would be delightful!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature— they should stay delicious for up to 5 days. To keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them into the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked gooeyness!
With this easy, flavorful recipe, you can indulge in Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies anytime. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or savoring yourself. Enjoy baking!
Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add in the eggs and mix properly, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Form the chilled dough into small balls, roll each one in granulated sugar, and place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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