If you're a fan of bright, tangy flavors and crave a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite, then you're going to love our Lemon Cookies. And the best part? These zesty delights are made with the help of a simple boxed cake mix, making them incredibly easy to whip up. So, whether you're a seasoned baker looking for a quick and delicious recipe or a beginner wanting to impress your friends and family, this recipe is perfect for you!
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you'll have a batch of soft, pillowy lemon cookies that are bound to disappear in no time. The magic of using a boxed cake mix lies in its convenience and reliable results. It provides a solid base for these cookies, ensuring a tender texture and a consistent lemony flavor throughout.
These lemon cookies are not your ordinary sugar cookies; they pack a delightful punch of tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness. The combination of the cake mix, fresh lemon juice, and zest creates a delicious balance, resulting in cookies that are both refreshing and satisfying. They are the perfect treat for summer gatherings, afternoon tea parties, or any time you want a burst of sunshine on your taste buds.
So, let's roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible lemon cookies. With their vibrant flavor and effortless preparation, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, you won't be able to resist grabbing seconds, and your friends and family will be asking for the recipe. Let's dive into the process and bring a taste of citrusy bliss to our cookie jars!
3 Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 1Easy and Time-Saving: With the use of a boxed cake mix as the base, this recipe takes the hassle out of measuring and combining multiple ingredients. It's perfect for those times when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The simplicity of the recipe means you can have a batch of freshly baked cookies in no time, without compromising on taste or quality.
- 2Bursting with Tangy Flavor: These lemon cookies are all about the bright and zesty flavors that lemon brings to the table. Whether you're a fan of tangy treats or looking to add a refreshing twist to your cookie repertoire, these lemon cookies are sure to hit the spot and leave you craving more.
- 3Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Lemon cookies are a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. They are perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal tea parties. The cookies' delicate texture, combined with the tantalizing lemon flavor, creates a delightful treat that pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- Lemon cake mix: The cake mix already contains essential ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents, saving you time and effort.
- Vanilla protein powder: Vanilla protein powder not only enhances the flavor but also adds a boost of protein to the cookies. It helps create a slightly denser texture while maintaining a soft and chewy consistency.
- Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds moisture and a creamy texture to the cookies. It also contributes to the overall tenderness of the finished product. Opt for plain or vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for a subtle tangy taste.
- Eggs: Eggs act as binders and provide structure to the cookies. They also contribute to the tender texture of the finished product.
- Lemon juice: This tangy ingredient enhances the bright, citrusy flavor of the cookies. Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to achieve the best taste.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation, you can sprinkle powdered sugar over the baked cookies. This step is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.
Kitchen Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Lemon Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until a soft dough forms.
- Once the dough is well mixed, drop rounded spoonfuls of it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Space the dough about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake and remove them from the oven when they turn golden around the edges.
- Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. They will be soft when warm but will firm up as they cool.
- Once cooled, the tangy lemon cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as is or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Swaps or Alternatives
If you're looking to make some swaps or alternatives in this lemon cookie recipe, here are a few options to consider:
- Cake Mix Flavor: While this recipe calls for a lemon cake mix, you can experiment with different flavors to create unique variations. Try using a yellow cake mix for a more subtle lemon flavor, or explore other citrus flavors like orange or lime. Just keep in mind that the resulting taste will vary depending on the cake mix you choose.
- Egg Replacements: For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, you can replace the eggs in this recipe with suitable alternatives. Common egg substitutes include applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. However, note that the texture and taste of the cookies may differ slightly from the original recipe.
- Lemon Juice: If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can substitute the freshly squeezed lemon juice with bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice typically provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Powdered Sugar Alternatives: If you prefer to skip the dusting of powdered sugar or want a different finishing touch, consider alternatives like a lemon glaze or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies. These options will add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Quick Tip(s)
When making this lemon cookie recipe, here are three quick tips to ensure success:
- Chill the Dough if Needed: Depending on the consistency of the dough, you may need to chill it before shaping and baking the cookies. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. However, if the dough is already firm and easy to work with, you can skip this step.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Liners: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make clean-up a breeze, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats before placing the cookie dough.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix to create variations of these cookies. While the recipe calls for a lemon cake mix, you can try using other flavors like yellow cake mix, orange cake mix, or even a white cake mix for a subtle citrus twist.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for future baking. Shape the dough into individual cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How can I make the cookies softer or crisper?
To make the cookies softer, you can slightly under bake them by reducing the baking time. Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when they are set but still slightly soft in the center. For a crisper texture, you can bake the cookies for a few extra minutes, until the edges turn a slightly deeper golden color.
Can I store the cookies to eat later?
Yes, these lemon cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut. Fold in your desired mix-ins into the dough after all the other ingredients are well combined. Adjust the quantities to your preference and experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe to make more or fewer cookies. Just adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly, so keep a close eye on the cookies while they are in the oven to ensure they are baked to perfection.
Easy Lemon Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Electric mixer or whisk
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- 1 cooling rack
- 1 Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce pkg. lemon cake mix
- ⅔ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until a soft dough forms.
- Once the dough is well mixed, drop rounded spoonfuls of it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Space the dough about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake and remove them from the oven when they turn golden around the edges.
- Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. They will be soft when warm but will firm up as they cool.
- Once cooled, the tangy lemon cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as is or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.