These Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are the perfect chewy texture and bursting with zesty lemon flavor! Plus, this recipe has a major shortcut! Don’t miss out on making this soft cookie and cheesecake hybrid dessert!
Why I Love These Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
There are two major reasons: the flavor and the shortcut. I must confess, these cookies are only semi-homemade, but don’t judge me too harshly because they’ll change your life (especially around the busy holidays)!
This recipe calls for a boxed cake mix. I know – gasp! Although these cookies are not made from scratch, they ARE going to be nice when you need a quick ready-to-make dessert on deck. Plus, no one has to know our little secret!
The chewy texture and lemon cheesecake flavor is a winning combo like no other. Also, studies (with my family) have shown that they have a mood-lifting effect 100% of the time. You can’t argue with the facts!
Key Ingredients for Lemon Cookies
Okay, this is the best part. All you need is lemon cake mix, butter, cream cheese, a single egg yolk, and vanilla.
I know, it’s shockingly simple! Be sure to soften your cream cheese, but that’s the only note I have for you. This cheesecake cookie recipe is made with few ingredients but it packs a hefty flavor profile. You’re going to love it!
Step By Step Instructions To Make Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a stand mixer (or with a handheld electric mixer), cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add in the egg yolk and mix to thoroughly combine. Finally, add in the cake mix and vanilla and mix well. Chill your cookie dough for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preheat
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 3: Roll and Bake
Roll the chilled dough into 1” balls and place them evenly spaced on an ungreased baking sheet. With a fork, press into the dough to create an X. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Enjoy!
FAQ
The egg yolk! The egg whites often dry out when cooked, so if we only use the egg yolk (like in this recipe!) the cookies will often come out chewier. Yum! It’s also always important to not over-mix the dough!
Oh, so many things. You can use cake mix in other cookie recipes, brownies, breads, and bars! A couple of my favorite ways to use cake mix are for Pumpkin Dump Cake and Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies.
Additional Lemon Recipes To Try
- Lemon Lush is layer upon layer of lemony goodness!
- Try these Lemon Bars for a classic lemon dessert!
- Lemon Muffins are the perfect little pick-me-up to have with tea.
- Want an actual cake? Then you’ll definitely need to try this Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake!
Thanks so much for reading (and not judging my shortcut)! Enjoy your lemon cheesecake cake mix cookies, and don’t forget to share what you think in the comments!
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- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 package lemon cake mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
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In a stand mixer or with an electric mixer cream butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Add in yolk and mix to combine. Add in cake mix and vanilla and mix well. Chill 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Roll dough into 1″ balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. With a fork press dough in an X pattern. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Chewy lemon cookies are the BEST and this cakey texture is better than I imagined. Thanks for this!
Thank you so much!