Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Name: Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Lemon cake mix – 1 box (15.25 oz); Cream cheese, softened – 4 oz; Unsalted butter, softened – ¼ cup; Egg, room temperature – 1 large; Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; Powdered sugar – ½ cup (for rolling); Butter – 2 tablespoons (for glaze); Powdered sugar – 1 cup (for glaze); Milk – 2–3 tablespoons; Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon

Jena Ellison

Update : February 26, 2026

Delicious lemon cake mix cookies on a white plate

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why make this recipe

Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a bright lemon flavor. Using a cake mix means you can whip them up quickly, making them ideal for last-minute dessert cravings or gatherings. Plus, they come with a sweet glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness!

how to make Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Ingredients:

Lemon cake mix – 1 box (15.25 oz)
Cream cheese, softened – 4 oz
Unsalted butter, softened – ¼ cup
Egg, room temperature – 1 large
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Powdered sugar – ½ cup (for rolling)
Butter – 2 tablespoons (for glaze)
Powdered sugar – 1 cup (for glaze)
Milk – 2–3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon

Directions:

Mix the Sticky Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the lemon cake mix, softened cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, which is totally normal.

Scoop and Roll
Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons) to take some dough. Roll it into balls, and then roll the balls generously in powdered sugar to coat them completely.

Bake
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 9–10 minutes. They should be puffed and cracked but still soft in the middle. Be careful not to overbake. Let the cookies cool completely before glazing.

Whisk the Glaze
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a bowl. Then, whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. You can use 2 tablespoons of milk for a thicker glaze, or 3 tablespoons for a thinner glaze.

Glaze and Serve
Once the cookies are cool, drizzle or dip them in the glaze. Let them set for a few moments before serving. Enjoy!

how to serve Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but they also make a great snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve them at parties, alongside desserts at a family gathering, or even as a sweet treat for kids after school.

how to store Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

tips to make Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Make sure to use room-temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating; it adds a nice texture and sweetness.
Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should still be soft when you take them out of the oven.

variation

You can add lemon zest to the dough for an extra burst of lemon flavor. Another fun twist is to mix in white chocolate chips or blueberries to give the cookies a different taste and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use another flavor of cake mix?
A: Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change.

Q: Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix to use instead of regular cake mix.

Q: How can I make these cookies more lemony?
A: Adding extra lemon zest to the dough or using lemon extract instead of vanilla can enhance the lemon flavor.