Lemon Basil Cookies
Lemon Basil Cookies offer a delightful blend of citrus and herbal flavors, combining moist raisins and nuts for a unique treat perfect for cookies and bar desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend butter, light cream cheese, and egg yolk until fluffy.
- Gradually add the lemon cake mix, one-third at a time, mixing well.
- Finish mixing the last portion by hand.
- Stir in dried basil, raisins, chopped nuts, and lemon juice.
- Drop level tablespoons of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.
- For bar cookies, press dough into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and bake accordingly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a touch of grated lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor. If you don’t have dried basil, fresh basil can be used; just double the amount. For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds. Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier blending. These cookies can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free lemon cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Basil Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of Fudge Sundae Sauce for an indulgent treat. For a refreshing beverage, serve them alongside iced tea or lemonade. For a fun dessert platter, include slices of Lemon Coconut Cream Cake and other favorite American recipes to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Basil Cookies contains roughly 106 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 7g 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 type of cake mix for these cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or orange, to create unique variations. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of the cookies. Citrus blends well with basil, so any cake mix with lemon or orange flavor would be a great match.
What can I substitute for the raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots. Each option will add a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference. If you'd like to keep it healthier, consider using chopped dates or figs.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. You can also slightly underbake the cookies, removing them from the oven when they are just set and lightly browned. This will ensure they remain soft and chewy after cooling.
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).