Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

These Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are the perfect chewy texture and bursting with zesty lemon flavor! Plus, this recipe has a major shortcut! Donโ€™t miss out on making this soft cookie and cheesecake hybrid dessert!

Lemon cake mix cookies with powdered sugar sprinkled on top

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 donโ€™t judge me too harshly because theyโ€™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 canโ€™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, itโ€™s shockingly simple! Be sure to soften your cream cheese, but thatโ€™s the only note I have for you. This cheesecake cookie recipe is made with few ingredients but it packs a hefty flavor profile. Youโ€™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.ย 

Step 3: Roll and Bake

Roll the chilled dough into 1โ€ 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 theyโ€™re lightly golden. Enjoy!

a pile of lemon cheesecake cookies tied in a bow with some in the background and one cut in half in the foreground

FAQ

What is the secret to chewy cookies?

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! Itโ€™s also always important to not over-mix the dough!

What else can be made from cake mix?

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

Thanks so much for reading (and not judging my shortcut)! Enjoy your lemon cheesecake cake mix cookies, and donโ€™t forget to share what you think in the comments!

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Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Servings: 4
Author: Countryside Cravings
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 package lemon cake mix
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • 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.
Did you make this?Let me know by sharing a picture and tagging @countryside_cravings on Instagram

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