<!--
SEO Title Tag: Lemon Cake Mix Cookies — Quick & Soft Treat
Meta Description: Make zesty lemon cake mix cookies in a breeze. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion!
-->

Lemon Cake Mix Cookies — Quick, Soft, Zesty Treat

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with zesty lemon flavor. These Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are an easy treat that will brighten up any day. Using a cake mix means you can skip the hassle of measuring flour and sugar, making this recipe a breeze. After testing it several times, I’ve perfected the balance of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to share or a quick snack, these cookies won’t disappoint.

Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: The base of the recipe is a cake mix, making it perfect for busy bakers.
Citrus Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and juice add a bright flavor that elevates the sweet cookie.
Soft Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a tender, moist cookie.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts.
Quick Prep: With minimal prep time, you’ll have cookies ready in no time.

Ingredients Breakdown

Lemon Cake Mix: This is the base of the cookies. It gives them sweetness and an easy structure.
Cream Cheese (226 g / 8 oz): Softened cream cheese helps to keep cookies moist and adds rich flavor.
Vegetable Oil (120 ml / ½ cup): This adds fat, creating a tender crumb.
Eggs (2 large): They bind the ingredients together and help with leavening.
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Adds fresh, zesty flavor. Don’t skip this for the best taste.
Powdered Sugar (for rolling): This gives the cookies a beautiful finish and adds an extra touch of sweetness.

Essential Equipment

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for blending all the ingredients.
Baking Sheet: Use a standard 18×13 inch sheet for even baking.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning the dough evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Inactive Time: None
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking right from the start.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 box (432 g / 15.25 oz) of lemon cake mix, 226 g (8 oz) of softened cream cheese, and 120 ml (½ cup) of vegetable oil. Add 2 large eggs and zest from 1 lemon. Mix until well combined and a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional)

For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 10–15 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Prepare a plate with powdered sugar. Use a cookie scoop to portion out 2 tablespoons of dough. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the rolled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are slightly crackled.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips & Pro Techniques

Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour is visible. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chilling the Dough: This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Customizations: Try adding white chocolate chips or a handful of poppy seeds for a unique twist.
Storage Trick: If your cookies seem dry, try storing them with a slice of white bread to help them retain moisture.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze these cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their softness.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version: Replace the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too.
Lemon Icing: Drizzle a simple icing made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled cookies for an extra sweet treat.
Cut Back on Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of powdered sugar used for rolling.
Fruit Addition: Add dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruity contrast to the lemon flavor.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for added texture and a classic flavor pairing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair with a nice cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon break.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert à la mode.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
These cookies also make a lovely addition to a picnic spread.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 cookie, 24 servings):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 80 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 8 g
Protein: 2 g

Nutrition values are estimates. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cookies turn out dry?
Overbaking can dry out the cookies. Check them at the lower end of the baking time.

Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can use applesauce or a flax egg as a substitute for eggs.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

How long does this keep in the fridge?
Stored properly, these cookies can last up to 5 days in the fridge.