Name: Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491152H1M3S
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tsp lemon extract; 1 Tbsp lemon zest; 1 box lemon cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz or 432 g)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·4 from 40 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring that perfect balance of fresh citrus brightness and tender cake-like texture, then you are going to absolutely adore this Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. These cookies are delightfully simple to whip up, yet they deliver a moist, flavorful bite packed with lemony goodness and a subtle creaminess from ricotta cheese that pairs beautifully with the sweet base of lemon cake mix. Whether you are baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a sunny gathering, these cookies shine with every bite, making them a firm favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the wonderful texture and vibrant flavor that define this Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. From the creamy ricotta that adds moisture to the zesty lemon elements that brighten up the whole cookie, every component is essential for that perfect bite.

¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie.
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese: Provides moistness and a soft, creamy texture that keeps cookies from drying out.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cookie dough together perfectly.
1 tsp lemon extract: Packs a concentrated burst of lemon flavor that complements the zest and cake mix.
1 Tbsp lemon zest: Infuses fresh, natural citrus oils that brighten every bite.
1 box lemon cake mix: The foundation of sweetness and lemon flavor that simplifies the baking process and ensures consistent results.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface

Start by setting your oven to 350ºF and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This simple first step guarantees your cookies will bake evenly and makes cleanup effortless, plus it prevents sticking so your delicate cookies come off the sheet cleanly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Ricotta Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, blend the melted butter with the ricotta cheese until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key because it aerates the dough slightly, which leads to those wonderfully soft and tender cookies you’ll crave.

Step 3: Add Egg, Lemon Extract, and Zest for Flavor

Next, mix in the egg, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Beating these ingredients together ensures the citrus flavors are evenly distributed, giving each cookie that bright, fresh lemon zing with every mouthful.

Step 4: Incorporate the Lemon Cake Mix

Finally, add the lemon cake mix to your wet ingredients and beat gently until just combined. The cake mix brings everything together, delivering sweetness and the structure needed to create a cookie that’s more like a tender, cakey dream than your traditional crisp cookie.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop makes portioning the dough both easy and consistent, so your cookies bake uniformly. Place the dough balls onto the prepared parchment paper and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned. Let them cool completely before indulging—this waiting game is worth it!

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm and flavor, consider dusting these cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of lemon glaze. Adding a tiny twist of lemon peel on top before baking can also lend a sophisticated look and enhance that fresh lemon aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea—think Earl Grey or chamomile—that complements the citrus flavor without overpowering it. For an indulgent twist, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is absolutely divine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these cookies to a party or giving them as gifts, arrange them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or fresh lemon slices for a sunny, elegant display. You could also sandwich a simple lemon curd or mascarpone cream between two cookies for a delightful handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their tenderness intact without the risk of them drying out. If you want to keep them a bit longer, refrigeration also works but may slightly alter the texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully if you want to prepare them ahead of time. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm cookie, pop your thawed or room-temp cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly in a low oven to revive that freshly baked softness and warmth. It’s a little trick that feels like a hug from your kitchen!

FAQs

Can I substitute part-skim ricotta for whole-milk ricotta in this recipe?

Yes, you can use part-skim ricotta, but whole-milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture and flavor. The lower-fat version might result in a slightly less moist cookie but will still taste delicious.

Is it necessary to use lemon cake mix, or can I use plain vanilla instead?

For the brightest lemon flavor, lemon cake mix is best. However, if you prefer, vanilla cake mix can work—just add extra lemon zest and lemon extract to bump up the citrus notes.

How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much during baking?

Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot when mixing and use parchment to give the dough a bit of grip. Also, chilling the dough slightly before baking can help them hold shape better.

Can I add mix-ins like white chocolate chips or poppy seeds?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips pair beautifully with lemon, adding a creamy sweetness, and poppy seeds bring delightful texture and a classic lemon cookie vibe. Feel free to experiment!

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They are only gluten-free if you use a gluten-free lemon cake mix. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your cake mix packaging if gluten-free is a must.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Ricotta Cake Mix Cookies Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it blends simplicity with incredible flavor and texture that always impresses. If you love easy, delightful baked goodies bursting with fresh citrus character and a tender crumb, this recipe is a must-try. I promise once you bake them, these cookies will become your go-to treat for sharing warm smiles and delicious moments with friends and family.