Well I have been staring at a random box of lemon cake mix in my pantry for months now. I am not a huge fan of cake mixes and for the life of me I cannot remember why I purchased it in the first place. However, I was determined to use the mix this weekend and started browsing the web for ideas. I came across a recipe from allrecipes that used boxed lemon cake mix to make cookies. The reviews were mixed; some stating they were delicious, while others complained they tasted like Froot Loops. I happen to thoroughly enjoy Froot Loops, so I decided to give these a try with a couple of minor substitutions. Here is the verdict: The texture of these cookies was amazing- nice, crisp outsides with a chewy center! The taste was really quite good, not too tart and not too sweet. This is not a cookie I would make on a weekly basis, but it was good nonetheless. So, if you have a random box of lemon cake mix, make these…I bet you could use the base of cake mix, 2 eggs and vegetable oil with other cake mixes as well. Happy Baking!
1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 TBS fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar for decoration
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in eggs, oil, and lemon juice, lemon extract and lemon zest until well blended.
4. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven. The bottoms will be light brown, and the insides chewy.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Mmm, those look good! What a nice way to use up cake mix.
[Reply]
Hi, I stumbled across your cookie pic on FoodGawker. They look fantastic. I would suggest changing your background pattern, makes it VERY difficult to read your blog.
[Reply]
Wow, okay, it changed on its own. LOL! The recipe looks dynamite.
[Reply]
Those cookies look absolutely decadent!
I’ll definitely have to try them – I’ve never met a Fruit Loop I didn’t like
[Reply]
mmmmm we make these all the time we call them lemon drop cookies.
[Reply]
I always have cake mixes in the pantry. I usually buy them when it’s buy one get one. They’re handy though I never just make cake with them. I use them as a stepping stone to something yummier like your cookies!
You find a lot of good recipes on allrecipes I need to check ‘em out better.
~ingrid
[Reply]
I’m trying to imagine what a cookie-sized fruit loop would taste like! These cookies look great and I’m glad they made a nice break in the cookie routine while getting rid of a pesky cake mix. I have 4 different types of mixes on my counter awaiting a verdict. They just don’t fit in the drawer anymore.
Nancy
[Reply]
Those lemon cookies look good!
[Reply]
mmm..yummy..I love anything lemon!
Beautiful photo.
[Reply]
I know what mean about the cake mix. I have a box of yellow cake mix and have no idea why I bought it. Maybe cake mix cookies are the answer!
[Reply]
Cookies look great. I am a huge fan of lemon anything dessert -ish. I am going to have to give this recipe a try.
Sharona May
[Reply]
These lok great, who knew that something so fancy looking could come from a cake mix?!
[Reply]
I love lemon cookies and that texture sounds perfect…crispy outsides and chewy insides.
[Reply]
They look very good. I love tyring new recipes using cake mixes!
[Reply]
i made these a week or so ago – not knowing that you had posted them – and they were a hit with my hub! He said they tasted like trix.
I love how simple the recipe is.
I also made a glaze on top instead of rolling them in the sugar.
[Reply]
These look great! I might actually go out and buy some cake mix just so I could make them!
[Reply]
Your cookies look delicious! Glad to say that I have no cake mix in my pantry – but for this recipe it would be worth buying one
[Reply]
Easy and so pretty! I will have to try these. I love my lemon!
[Reply]
Hi, new to your blog and think it’s great. Can’t wait to try these yummy looking cookies!
[Reply]
oh jeez i was just at the grocery store andi had this recipe open when i left and i totally forgot to buy a lemon cake mix, maybe next time! i’m putting this on a posty note so i don’t forget again
they look super tasty
[Reply]
I just made a variation of these using white chocolate chips and without the powdered sugar. They came out great, thanks for the inspiration!
[Reply]
These looks perfect! I love recipes that ask for oil instead butter!
[Reply]
I made these and wrote about them here: http://tomatoesforapples.blogspot.com/2009/12/cake-mix-cookies-take-three-lemon.html
I was a bit bummed out with how they turned out. They had a weird aftertaste. I'm thinking that it had something to do with the brand of cake mix I used. I bet I could have solved that problem by using yellow cake mix instead of lemon, and adding lemon extract to make up the difference.
Thank you for the recipe, they certainly made a pretty cookie. (Oh and I'd like to add that these cookies stay moist for a really long time.)
[Reply]
I’ve never bothered to write a review before. But I have to! These are the very best cookies I have ever tasted! Look great also, and the texture is wonderful!! And so easy to make! (Who wooda’ thunk it?? from a cake mix!)
Do use lemon cake mix–We used Duncan Hines. Also, we had no lemon extract, so I substituted Realemon for the extract.
[Reply]