If you are searching for an irresistibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that packs a burst of citrusy sunshine, then this Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These cookies bring together the fluffiness of Cool Whip and the bright zing of lemon cake mix, creating a dessert that is unbelievably easy to whip up yet impressively delightful in every bite. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon snack, a crowd-pleasing potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and charm that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it calls for a handful of simple ingredients that are pantry-friendly but crucial to achieving the best results. Each ingredient plays a special role—from the cake mix bringing flavor and structure, to the Cool Whip enhancing the softness and moisture, making these cookies stand out.
- 1 box lemon cake mix: Choose your favorite brand and flavor—lemon is perfect here for a fresh, tangy kick that brightens up the cookie.
- 1 tub (8 ounces) Cool Whip (thawed): This adds incredible fluffiness and a light texture that traditional butter can’t quite match.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder here, giving the cookies their shape and slight richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For rolling the cookies in, it adds a sweet, delicate finish and helps create that classic crackled look.
How to Make Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Basic Ingredients
Start by adding your lemon cake mix, thawed Cool Whip, and the large egg into a large mixing bowl. This trio is your foundation. The Cool Whip makes the mixture delightfully soft and easy to combine, while the egg helps everything come together smoothly. It’s fun to watch this simple mix transform into a luscious dough.
Step 2: Mix Until Smooth
Use a mixer on medium speed to blend everything until smooth and completely incorporated. The batter will be sticky and creamy—this texture is what will make your cookies so tender and moist.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Scrape your sticky cookie dough into a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This crucial step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape when baking.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A properly heated oven ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop those lightly golden edges everyone loves.
Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper, or lightly grease them if you prefer. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a snap.
Step 6: Roll Cookies in Powdered Sugar
Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Once chilled, scoop the dough with a cookie scoop and roll each ball in the powdered sugar. This coating adds an irresistible sweet crust and that classic crackled cookie appearance.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the powdered dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the bottoms are golden. Don’t overbake—they should remain soft and slightly chewy.
Step 8: Cool Before Eating
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes — this helps them firm up just enough before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step prevents breakage and ensures you get that perfect tender bite.
How to Serve Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are scrumptious on their own, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped lemon zest can elevate their look and flavor beautifully. For an indulgent twist, drizzle some white chocolate or lemon glaze on top.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea, balancing their sweetness with comforting beverages. For a brunch spread, offer them alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to enhance the bright lemon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe the star of your dessert table by stacking them on a pretty cake stand or arranging them in a colorful tin. You could even sandwich them with a dollop of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting for a delightful cookie sandwich treat — perfect for parties or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and delicious, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for longer, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy, and they’ll taste almost freshly baked.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300-degree oven. This brings back the soft, tender texture and lovely lemon aroma that makes this Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While lemon is fantastic for its fresh brightness, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla, yellow, or even funfetti cake mixes. Each variation will give a unique twist to the Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough before baking is key. It helps the sticky dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Can I substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream?
Cool Whip works best because of its stability and texture, but if you can find stabilized whipped cream, that could work. Regular whipped cream may make the dough too loose and affect the cookie texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for set edges and lightly golden bottoms. The centers should still look soft because the cookies continue cooking slightly as they cool. Overbaking will make them less tender.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure your powdered sugar is gluten-free, then these cookies can be adapted to a gluten-free diet. They’d still be wonderfully soft and flavorful!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—this Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is your new go-to when you want something quick, easy, and truly delicious. Soft, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, these cookies bring together simple ingredients that deliver maximum joy. Give them a try, share them with loved ones, and watch as they become a favorite in your baking rotation. Happy baking!
Print
Cool Whip Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cool Whip Cookies are delightfully soft and chewy treats made with just a few simple ingredients including cake mix, Cool Whip, and powdered sugar. Perfectly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re quick to prepare and bake into a batch of about 20 flavorful cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix (any flavor or brand can be used)
- 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 large egg
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the box of cake mix, thawed Cool Whip, and the large egg. This forms the base dough of your cookies.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a mixer set to medium speed, blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Chill Dough: Scrape the sticky batter into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven: When ready, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet or two with parchment paper, or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl; you will use this to coat the cookie dough balls.
- Scoop and Coat Dough: Using a cookie scoop, drop scoops of chilled cookie dough into the powdered sugar to thoroughly coat each portion.
- Form Cookie Balls: Roll the sugar-coated dough into balls using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms have a golden-brown color.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of cake mix to customize the cookie flavor.
- Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed for easier mixing.
- Refrigerating the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft texture of the cookies.
- Use parchment paper or greasing your baking sheet to avoid sticking.
