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Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Easy, Delicious Treats

Easy, soft-baked lemon cookies made with cake mix for a shortcut dessert that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor. These chewy cookies with crisp edges come together in minutes and are perfect for spring gatherings or cookie exchanges.

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box lemon cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  • Optional: 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated (dough will be thick). Fold in white chocolate chips or nuts if using.
  3. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1 tbsp portions of dough, roll into balls, then roll in powdered sugar to coat.
  4. Place balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
  5. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • For extra lemon flavor, add ½ tsp lemon extract
  • Drizzle with lemon glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp lemon juice) after cooling
  • Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
  • Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months – bake from frozen adding 1-2 minutes
  • Can substitute with other citrus cake mixes (orange, lime)

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