Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Update : March 7, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

If you love cookies and enjoy the bright flavor of lemon, then these Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are a must-try! They are soft, rich, and bursting with lemon goodness. The gooey center combined with the sweet powdered sugar coating makes them irresistibly delicious. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, these cookies will surely brighten your day.

How to Make Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in lemon zest.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still gooey.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they are still warm and gooey. You can dust them with more powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a great dessert at any gathering or celebration!

How to Store Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Tips to Make Best Ever Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

Use fresh lemon juice to enhance the lemon flavor in your cookies.
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened for easy mixing.
Don’t overmix the dough; just combine the ingredients until they are smooth.
If you find the dough too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough. You can also experiment with other citrus flavors, like lime or orange, to change up the taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

2. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds richness, you can try substituting with more butter. The cookies may not be as gooey, but they will still taste delicious.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center; they should look set around the edges but still gooey in the middle.