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This Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe uses cake mix and Cool Whip to make soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for an easy dessert or sweet treat!

lemon cake mix crinkle cookies on a white plate.

Easy Lemon Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

These easy cake mix cookies are perfect for lemon lovers! They’re bursting with lemon flavor and very refreshing. Plus, you only need a few things to make them!

I love making and baking goodies from scratch whenever I can, but sometimes, it’s just a tad easier to take a shortcut. I first made these Cool Whip cookies years ago when the kiddos asked what we were having for dessert, and we didn’t really have anything sweet.

After a quick pantry inspection, I found a box of lemon cake mix. I put the young dessert lovers to work, and we whipped up a batch of these easy lemon cake mix cookies with Cool Whip.

These lemon cookies are incredibly easy to make, but they are also very messy. Your hands will be covered with cake mix goo, but the results are very worth it! My daughter also managed to get Cool Whip in her hair!

box of lemon cake mix, egg, lemon, cool whip and powdered sugar.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients from the grocery store for this easy cookie recipe. Full amounts and video are in the printable recipe card below.

  • Cake mix — Use your favorite brand of lemon cake mix
  • Cool Whip — or another brand whipped topping. This replaces oil in the recipe. You can also sub vegetable oil for the Cool Whip.
  • Egg
  • Powdered sugar — Confectioners sugar adds the crinkle effect and a touch of sweetness
  • Lemon juice — optional, but adds more lemon flavor

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies with Cool Whip

Just mix all ingredients together except the powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. You can use a spatula or hand mixer or stand mixer for this. I also added a little bit of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor, but it’s not absolutely necessary. You can also add fresh lemon zest, as well.


mix cake mix and cool whip and egg together in mixing bowl

Next, scoop some of the dough out, and roll the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar. This part is messy, but the kids don’t mind!

roll cookie dough in powdered sugar.

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet. I recommend using a silicone mat, parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the cookie sheet and to cut down on the mess.

lemon crinkle cookies in powdered sugar on a baking sheet lined with baking mat Silpat

The cookies take about 10-12 minutes to bake. They’re ready when the edges are slightly firm, but you don’t want them to get too brown. They’ll be a little soft in the center,  but this is perfect!

lemon crinkle cookies on a cooling rack

You can sprinkle a little more powdered sugar on these delicious lemon cookies after they’re done baking if you want. Aren’t they pretty?!

plate of lemon cake mix cookies on the table.

How to Store

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week. The cookies also freeze very well for up to 3 months. My kids like to use them for cookie ice cream sandwiches!

For more easy crinkle cookie recipes, try my Strawberry Crinkle Cookies or Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies and find even more easy cookie recipes your family will love!

Recipe Tip

Sprinkle a little more powdered sugar on top of the cookies after baking for extra sweetness.

It’s easier to scoop the cookie dough with a spoon or medium cookie scoop and roll in the powdered sugar to form dough balls.

5 from 3 votes

Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies

By: Dee
This Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe uses cake mix and Cool Whip to make soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for an easy dessert or sweet treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients  

  • 13.25 oz box lemon cake mix
  • 8 oz container of Cool Whip thawed
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉
  • In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, Cool Whip, egg and lemon juice together until well combined.
  • Take a tablespoon of dough at a time, and roll it in the powdered sugar until covered.
  • Place cookies about two inches apart on a well-greased or lined cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm
  • Remove from oven, allow to cool, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Cake mix boxes may have changed. This recipe was originally tested using a 15.25-ox box and recently using a 13.25-oz box. Either will work.
You can sprinkle a little more powdered sugar on top of the cookies after baking for extra sweetness.
It’s easier to scoop the cookie dough with a tablespoon or cookie scoop and roll in the powdered sugar to form balls of dough.
Cookies are done when edges are firm to the touch and very light golden brown. Centers may be soft, but will firm up as cookies cool. Do not over bake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce, Calories: 106kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 166mg, Potassium: 23mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 25IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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Recipe was published in 2015 and updated in 2024

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16 Comments

  1. Lisa says:

    These are so easy and delicious! Loved making them with the grandkids!5 stars

  2. James says:

    Love the lemon! The kids made these this weekend! What a hit!5 stars

    1. Dee says:

      So glad you all liked them, James. Thanks so much!

  3. Dee M says:

    Thanks! I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! 🙂

  4. Dee M says:

    Thanks so much for pinning! We just loved them. 🙂

  5. DESPINA P says:

    Nice recipe!I like using lemon on cakes and cookies, so I 'm definitely going to try this out!