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Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are soft, tangy, and irresistibly gooey with a bright lemon flavor that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine fresh lemon zest and juice with a rich, buttery center for a uniquely delicious treat made from simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for gluten-free option)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Beat softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice to infuse citrus flavor.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest to ensure even rise and lemon aroma.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to maintain a soft dough without overmixing.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart for proper spreading.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest and most natural flavor.
  • Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center for gooey texture.
  • Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing for smoother dough.
  • If kitchen is warm, chill dough for 20 minutes to control spreading.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cookies, gooey cookies, lemon dessert, soft lemon cookies, butter cookies, gluten free lemon cookies