Lemon Cool Whip Cookies

These lemon Cool Whip cookies bring a burst of citrus brightness and gooey texture to your cookie jar using just a handful of basic ingredients. They come together in less than an hour and taste like the perfect cross between cake and cookie. My first batch disappeared at a family picnic and now I get requests every spring and summer.

I baked these on a rainy Saturday to lift everyone’s spirits and the zingy flavor instantly made the day feel sunny. Now I always keep cake mix on hand for cookie emergencies.

Ingredients

• Lemon cake mix: bright citrusy base with consistent flavor and moisture in every batch Use a reputable brand for best taste
• Egg: helps bind dough and gives cookies structure Pick the freshest eggs for the perfect rise
• Whipped topping: lightens the dough and helps create that soft chewy middle Look for one with simple ingredients
• Powdered sugar: creates the signature crackly top and a gentle sweetness Sift to avoid any clumps before rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl stir together the lemon cake mix egg and whipped topping until fully blended The dough will be very sticky and a little glossy This ensures your cookies bake up tender and rich with flavor

Chill the Dough:

Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes This step is key because it firms up the dough and makes it easier to handle Chilled dough also helps cookies keep their shape and stay soft in the center

Prepare to Bake:

Set oven to 350F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it thoroughly so your cookies release easily later

Shape and Coat:

Scoop out dough pieces about the size of a walnut Roll into smooth balls then toss each ball generously in powdered sugar Make sure each dough ball is fully covered so you get great crackle on top

Bake:

Arrange the sugared dough balls on your sheet with enough space between them Bake for 10 minutes The cookies will be slightly soft and look a little underdone in the middle Remove promptly the centers will set as they cool

Cool:

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about three minutes before moving to a wire rack This helps them firm up without breaking apart

Save

My favorite part is how the powdered sugar forms those pretty cracks on top My kids always race to see who can get the cookie with the best crackle It is a cookie tradition we never skip

Storage Tips

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days They stay soft and moist thanks to the Cool Whip For longer storage freeze the baked cookies between layers of parchment in a ziptop bag They thaw beautifully at room temperature

Ingredient Substitutions

Any boxed cake flavor can be used if you feel like experimenting Strawberry and chocolate work especially well If you do not have whipped topping you can try a very thick plain yogurt for a slightly tangier twist but the texture may be less pillowy Regular eggs are best but flax eggs have worked for friends who bake dairy free

Serving Suggestions

Stack these cookies high on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar Pair them with a scoop of lemon sorbet or bring them to a potluck with mixed berries For parties I like to sandwich them together with a swipe of more whipped topping

Save

Cultural and Historical Context

Cake mix cookies have been a home baker hack since the mid twentieth century when cake mixes made from-scratch baking faster and more reliable Lemon adds that happy retro pop that always brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and summer lemonade stands

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other cake mix flavors for variation?

Yes, you can substitute lemon cake mix with other flavors such as strawberry or chocolate for different taste profiles.

→ Why is it important to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and resulting in cookies that hold their shape while baking.

→ What does the whipped topping add to the cookies?

Whipped topping creates a soft, airy texture, giving the cookies a tender bite and lightness.

→ How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking and avoid overmixing to maintain the right consistency.

→ Is it necessary to coat the dough balls in powdered sugar?

Rolling in powdered sugar creates a beautiful crinkle effect and adds a touch of sweetness to the finished cookies.