The Ultimate Double Lemon Cookies: Irresistibly Soft & Chewy with Pudding Mix & Lemon Oreos
Prepare to fall in love with these extraordinary Double Lemon Cookies! Bursting with vibrant citrus flavor, these cookies are a true delight for any lemon enthusiast. We’re talking about a symphony of lemon goodness, achieved through the clever use of instant lemon pudding mix and generous chunks of crushed Lemon Oreos. The result? Cookies that are not only packed with a refreshing lemon taste but also boast an incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy texture that will have everyone reaching for more. Best of all, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, ensuring a batch of perfect cookies every time.
Why These Double Lemon Cookies Are Simply Irresistible
These Double Lemon Cookies are an absolute game-changer in the world of homemade treats. This particular recipe is a delightful lemon-infused rendition of our incredibly popular Cookies and Cream cookies, which hold a special place as one of my all-time favorite cookie creations. Essentially, we’ve taken a beloved, proven recipe and injected it with an abundance of bright, zesty lemon flavor. If you’re a fan of anything lemon, these cookies are destined to become your new obsession. What’s even more impressive is their universal appeal; I’ve even seen kids who typically shy away from lemon-flavored desserts devour these with enthusiasm. The harmonious blend of textures and tastes truly makes them a crowd-pleaser.
The secret to their exceptional texture lies partly in the pudding mix, which is a fantastic ingredient for keeping cookies incredibly soft and chewy. But beyond that, the inclusion of crunchy Lemon Oreo pieces elevates these cookies from great to truly unforgettable. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the tender cookie base, the smooth sweetness of the lemon pudding, and the satisfying crunch and burst of extra lemon from the crushed Oreos. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that perfectly captures the essence of a warm, sunny day in cookie form.
The Magic of Pudding Mix: Crafting Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies
The inclusion of instant pudding mix in cookie dough is a secret weapon many bakers swear by, and for good reason! This simple addition dramatically transforms the texture of your cookies, guaranteeing that desirable soft and chewy consistency we all love. Instant pudding mix contains cornstarch, which acts as a tenderizer and helps absorb moisture, preventing the cookies from drying out and becoming cakey or crumbly. This means your Double Lemon Cookies will stay fresh, moist, and delightfully soft for longer, even days after baking. It’s truly a game-changer for achieving that bakery-quality chewiness right in your own kitchen.
Beyond the pudding mix, there are several other essential tips and tricks to master the art of soft, chewy cookies. Paying attention to these details can make all the difference between an average cookie and an absolutely amazing one. Let’s dive into some of the best practices to ensure your Double Lemon Cookies are nothing short of perfection.
Expert Tips for Achieving Ultimate Cookie Softness and Chewiness:
- Ensure Proper Flour Measurement: The right amount of flour is crucial. If your dough feels overly sticky, it might need a slight adjustment with a touch more flour. Conversely, too much flour can lead to dry, dense, or crumbly cookies. Always spoon and level your flour, rather than scooping directly from the bag, for the most accurate measurement.
- Cream Butter and Sugars Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step! Take an extra 2-3 minutes to cream the softened butter and sugars together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is vital for creating a tender crumb and prevents the cookies from spreading too much or becoming too flat.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: A properly preheated oven is non-negotiable for consistent baking results. Placing cookie dough into a cold or lukewarm oven can cause them to spread unevenly or bake inconsistently. Preheat your oven fully to 350°F (175°C) before placing your cookie sheets inside to ensure optimal temperature from the start.
- Utilize a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies in both shape and size, a cookie scoop is your best friend. Uniform size not only makes your cookies look professional but, more importantly, ensures they bake evenly. This prevents some cookies from being overbaked while others are underbaked, contributing to a consistent soft texture across the entire batch.
- Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: Lining your baking sheets is a simple step that yields significant benefits. It prevents cookies from sticking to the pan, ensures even browning on the bottom, and makes for incredibly easy removal. Your cookies will slide right off in perfect shape, and cleanup becomes a breeze.
- Do Not Overbake Your Cookies: This is arguably the most critical tip for achieving soft cookies. When I remove my Double Lemon Cookies from the oven, they often still appear slightly underbaked in the center. This is perfectly normal and desired! The cookies will continue to cook and set on the hot baking sheet for a few extra minutes after being removed from the oven. Overbaking even by a minute or two can quickly turn a soft, chewy cookie into a hard, dry one. Look for lightly golden edges and a barely set center.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Softened butter creams more effectively with sugar, creating a smoother, more emulsified dough. Room temperature eggs also blend more seamlessly into the mixture, contributing to a more uniform and tender cookie.
Essential Ingredients for Your Double Lemon Cookie Masterpiece
Crafting these sensational Double Lemon Cookies requires a few simple, yet key, ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the incredible flavor and texture that defines this recipe. From the creamy butter to the zesty pudding mix and the signature Lemon Oreos, gather these items to begin your baking adventure:
- 1 cup butter, softened: Use good quality butter at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note and contributes to the chewiness of the cookies.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the crispness of the cookie edges.
- 1 (3.4 oz) pkg instant lemon pudding mix: The star ingredient for that soft, chewy texture and a boost of lemon flavor. Ensure it’s INSTANT pudding, not cook & serve.
- 2 eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and helping the cookies rise. Again, room temperature is ideal.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- 2 1/4 cups flour: The structural base of your cookies. Measured correctly, it prevents cookies from being too dense or too crumbly.
- 1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread and become tender.
- 15 Lemon Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed: These are the “double lemon” element, providing both crunch and an intense lemon flavor throughout the cookie. Coarsely crushed means you’ll get delightful big chunks!
How to Make Double Lemon Cookies: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Baking these Double Lemon Cookies is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of soft, chewy, and intensely lemony treats:
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This is crucial for the cookie’s final texture.
- Incorporate Pudding Mix: Add the instant lemon pudding mix to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the pudding powder is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, crack in the two eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Introduce Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Lemon Oreos: Gently stir in the coarsely crushed Lemon Oreo cookie chunks. The goal is to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing them further into fine crumbs. You want those big, delightful chunks!
- Prepare for Baking: Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet. I highly recommend using a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which aids in even baking. Leave enough space between cookies for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 10 minutes. Remember, they should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for another 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This carryover baking ensures a perfectly soft and chewy center.
Enjoy these warm, zesty, and utterly delicious Double Lemon Cookies! They are truly a treat for the senses.
Double Lemon Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 3.4 oz pkg instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 15 Lemon Oreo cookies coarsely crushed (you want big chunks!)
Instructions
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Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugars. Add the pudding mix and mix until well blended.
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Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
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Add the flour and baking soda and continue mixing.
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Stir in the Lemon Oreo cookie chunks.
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Drop cookies by rounded teaspoonfuls (I use a cookie scoop) onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
Extend Your Baking Journey: More Delicious Pudding Cookie Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with the incredible texture and ease that pudding mix brings to cookies, then you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of delightful pudding cookie recipes waiting to be explored. Here are some of our absolute favorites, guaranteed to deliver that same soft, chewy perfection:
- Double Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Banana Pudding Cookies
- Pumpkin Pudding Cookies
- Mint Oreo Pudding Cookies
- Pistachio Pudding Cookies
- Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vanilla Cream Cookies
- Cherry Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
A Sweet Reflection: Growing Up with Homemade Treats and Cherished Moments
Finding old photographs always brings a wave of nostalgia, and I recently stumbled upon this little gem while organizing some photos. It’s hard to believe this picture was taken almost a full year ago! It’s truly crazy to witness how quickly kids grow and change right before your eyes. I vividly remember at the time this photo was captured, she had just barely started to sit up by herself, a monumental milestone. Now, just a year later, she’s a whirlwind of activity and chatter – saying dozens of words, fearlessly climbing onto furniture, charming us all by singing songs, and, of course, getting into absolutely everything! The transformation in such a short span is remarkable.
A lot has undoubtedly changed in her development and abilities, but some things remain beautifully constant. She is still just as cute as can be, still adorably chubby, and remains the sweetest little thing imaginable. Her infectious joy and boundless energy continue to captivate us all. We are, without a doubt, still absolutely obsessed with her. These moments, often enjoyed with a plate of fresh, homemade cookies, are the ones we’ll cherish forever, embodying the warmth and love that baking brings to our family life. These Double Lemon Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a part of those sweet memories, perfect for sharing with loved ones as they grow.
