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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, gooey cookies, lemon dessert, soft lemon cookies, butter cookies, gluten free lemon cookies