Filled Lemon Cookies
Filled Lemon Cookies combine tender cookie dough with a tangy lemon flavor and sweet raisin filling, perfect for a delightful treat suitable for gatherings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small mixer bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and half the cake mix until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining cake mix.
- Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Raisin Filling; allow it to cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll about 1/4 of the dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured cloth-covered board.
- Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares using a cutter.
- Place half of the squares on an ungreased baking sheet; spoon 1/2 teaspoon of filling onto each.
- Cut a 1/2-inch 'X' in the center of the remaining squares.
- Place the filled squares on top of the filled ones and press together to seal.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are very light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. If you're out of cream cheese, mascarpone works well as a substitute. Make sure to chill the dough adequately; this helps in rolling and cutting. If you prefer a different filling, you can use apricot or raspberry jam instead. These cookies can also be made with gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
These filled lemon cookies make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for afternoon snacks or dessert spreads. Consider serving them with a refreshing drink like Pastel Sherbet Cream Punch to enhance the citrus flavor. For a fun twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover filled lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Filled Lemon Cookies contains roughly 24 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix brings a bright flavor, you can substitute with vanilla, orange, or even strawberry cake mixes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
How can I make the cookies more lemony?
To enhance the lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest to the dough or a few drops of lemon extract to the filling. Additionally, a light dusting of powdered sugar mixed with lemon zest on top of the baked cookies adds a lovely touch and extra zing.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just ensure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out, making it easier to work with.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).