Easy Lemon Cake Mix Cookies (17-Minute Recipe)
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Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are perfect for bake sales, baby showers, or an easy afternoon snack. With a simple box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a baker’s dozen in less than 30 minutes! Everyone will love the flavor of these easy lemon cake mix cookies!
If you’re craving easy cookie recipes, add this one to the top of your list. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a sweet tooth, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies to enjoy in no time at all.
The fresh lemon flavor really puts these cookies high on my list! It’s amazing what fresh lemon zest can do!
The best part about these simple lemon cookies is that you get to use a boxed cake mix.
This means that not only are they the easiest cookies, but using cake mixes helps cut down on the steps to make them.
The next time that you’re craving lemon desserts, these delicious lemon cookies are a must.
Grab a box of lemon cake mix while you’re at the grocery store and keep it handy for when that craving hits. That way, you can enjoy this lemon cake mix cookie recipe anytime you want!
For simple step-by-step directions, check out the printable recipe card below. You’ll see why these cake mix lemon cookies are one of my favorite recipes!
I literally can’t get enough of the tangy lemon flavor of this easy dessert!
Table of Contents
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Enjoy the vibrant flavor of your favorite lemon cake mix in a batch of crinkle cookies instead!
Not only are they ready in a fraction of the time, but lemon cookies from cake mix stay fresh longer and can be nibbled on throughout the day.
If you love this recipe for lemon cookies with cake mix, try my chocolate and strawberry versions too!
Each cookie is topped with melted almond bark and loaded with rice cereal for extra crunch.
Or, put any extra boxes to good use with a variety of fruity dump cakes that are just as simple to prepare.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Lemon Cake Mix – Pay close attention to the package size, as this recipe for lemon cake mix cookies is designed for Betty Crocker box mix.
Yellow cake mix will work in a pinch, but you’ll need to use more lemon extract. - Powdered Sugar – Granulated won’t work here, but you can use it to make powdered sugar! Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Combine and blend in a food processor or high-speed blender for several minutes until soft and powdery. - Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed really does taste better! Use this in the icing, or stick with water for a more subtle flavor.
Prep Ahead
- Zest and juice lemons
- Measure out ingredients
- Preheat oven
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Lemon Cookies From Cake Mix
- Don’t overbake!
Since lemon crinkle cookies with cake mix will continue to bake as they cool, be sure to pull the pan just before they look done.
The center will be set but still soft, and the edges will be slightly browned.
- Whisk the glaze carefully.
Start with 2 tablespoons of juice and see how it turns out.
If you want it to be a bit thinner, add in a third tablespoon a few drops at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Tip for easy cleanup:
Place an additional sheet of parchment or foil under the cooling racks to catch any drips when you glaze the lemon cake mix cookies.
- Need a bigger batch?
Easily double or triple the amounts and load up your baking sheets!
Lemon cookies with cake mix turn out best when the dough is baked right after mixing, so keep that in mind if you don’t have a double oven.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Baking Sheets lined with parchment paper
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Wire Rack – Great for cooling all kinds of baked goods.
- Citrus Juicer – This gets every last drop out, which makes juicing lemons so much easier.
- Microplane/Zester – Not only is it great for zesting citrus, but I like to use it to grate garlic as well.
Lemon Cake Cookies FAQ
I used Betty Crocker, but any kind will work just fine as long as it is the same package size.
You sure can! The overall citrus flavor won’t be as strong, but lemon cookies from cake mix will still taste delicious.
As an alternative, dust a little powdered sugar over the tops for extra sweetness. It also helps accentuate all of those lovely crinkles.
Between the cake mix and glaze, lemon cake cookies are bursting with plenty of citrus flavor!
You can use lemon extract instead of vanilla when making lemon crinkle cookies with cake mix.
And if the glaze isn’t bold enough, add a little lemon extract there too!
Storage and Freezing
Lemon cake cookies are perfectly fine at room temperature and will stay tender longer that way.
Store them in an airtight container, adding parchment or wax paper between layers as needed.
Or, freeze lemon cake mix cookies on baking sheets before transferring to a storage bag. They should keep for up to 3 months.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box, 15.25 oz lemon cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, or substitute lemon extract for more citrus punch
- 2 cups powdered, confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and a soft dough forms. You can use a fork, spoon, or hand mixer — whatever makes you feel like the baking queen you are.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or heaping tablespoon) to form dough balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to give them space to spread.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the sheet after baking.
- Cool on the Pan: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring.
- Make the Lemon Glaze: While cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. If needed, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice a little at a time to reach desired drizzling consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
- Glaze the Cookies: Transfer cookies to a wire rack set over a sheet of parchment for easy cleanup. Spoon or drizzle glaze over each cookie, letting it drip slightly over the sides for that bakery-style finish.
- Add the Zest: Sprinkle with lemon zest while glaze is still wet, if using. Allow cookies to cool completely for the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2021, updated and republished December 2024
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
Just what I was looking for to serve at the Tea I'm planning…Thanks !
Lemon cookies are a nice treat on a summer day. The citrus flavor matches the summer weather perfectly.
Made them several times. They are east turn out great and taste delicious.
I was looking to try and recreate a crumble cookie and these are PERFECT. I loved this recipe.. quick and easy!
I tried this recipe the other day! Very easy to make and delicious! I will definitely be making these again!
going to try this recipe but switch up everything lemon for orange. wish me luck 😁
Wow, these lemon cake mix cookies were a breeze to make! Followed Donna’s recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian website and couldn’t be happier. They’re so delicious!
Hi Adriana!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Tried Donna’s lemon cake mix cookies and they were amazing! Added a splash of fresh lemon juice to the glaze for extra zing. So easy and delicious!
Hi Isabella!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn