Sometimes I just need a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day, and nothing delivers that quite like citrus desserts. These Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are my secret weapon for a quick, bright pick-me-up.
You might think using a boxed mix is cheating, but I promise the texture is perfectly soft and chewy every time. It is the easiest way to get that scratch-made taste without the mess.
What Makes This Lemon Cake Mix Cookies a Keeper for Years to Come

The texture here is absolutely incredible, with crisp edges that give way to a pillowy, soft center. I love how the powdered sugar creates those beautiful crinkles while balancing the tart lemon flavor.
You only need five simple ingredients to pull this together, which makes it perfect for last-minute baking. It is a foolproof recipe that even beginner bakers can master on their first try.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in different extracts or add zest for an extra punch. I often make a double batch because they disappear from the cooling rack almost instantly.
If you love easy treats, you need to try my Savory Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe for a rich flavor contrast. I also recommend baking a batch of my Savory Peanut Butter Cookies recipe when you crave something nutty and satisfying.
Everything You Need for Perfect Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Check your pantry for these simple staples to get started:
- Lemon Cake Mix: The base of the recipe that provides the flour, sugar, and primary lemon flavor.
- Eggs: These bind the dough together and add richness to the cookie structure.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating a moist, chewy texture rather than a cake-like crumb.
- Lemon Extract: Adds a concentrated burst of citrus to amplify the flavor of the boxed mix.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to coat the dough balls before baking to create the signature crinkle effect.
My Method for Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Let’s get these baking so your kitchen smells amazing:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready when you finish mixing.
- Combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and lemon extract in a large bowl.
- Stir the mixture until well-combined and a smooth, sticky dough forms.
- Pour the powdered sugar into a separate small bowl for rolling.
- Scoop a teaspoonful of dough and drop it directly into the powdered sugar.
- Roll the dough ball around until it is completely coated in white sugar.
- Place the coated cookie balls onto a baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake for 6 to 9 minutes until the tops are cracked and the bottoms are slightly brown.
- Allow the Lemon Cake Mix Cookies to cool on the baking sheet to set before serving.
My Best Tips for Perfect Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

If your dough feels too sticky to handle, I recommend popping the bowl in the fridge for about thirty minutes. Chilled dough is much easier to roll and holds its shape better in the oven.
Be careful not to overbake these, as they should still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet for a perfect Lemon Cake Mix Cookies texture.
I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure every single cookie is exactly the same size. This helps them bake evenly so you don’t end up with some burnt edges and undercooked centers.
How to Serve This Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
These are delightful on their own, but I love pairing them with a hot cup of herbal tea or cold milk. The creamy drink balances the bright acidity of the Lemon Cake Mix Cookies beautifully.
You can also sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent summer treat. It turns a simple cookie into a refreshing dessert that looks impressive for guests.
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies recipe
These soft and chewy lemon cookies start with a cake mix for the easiest dessert ever. They are bursting with citrus flavor and finished with a sweet powdered sugar crinkle.
Ingredients
Instructions
Additional Notes
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter.
- If the dough is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
- The cookies freeze well; simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Calories: 87kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 85mg
Potassium: 15mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 15IU
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 0.5mg
The calorie information provided for the recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.
I love seeing what you are cooking in your kitchens, so please tag me when you make this! For more inspiration and visual guides, follow me on Pinterest.
