Description
Soft, chewy gluten-free lemon cookies bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with lemon pudding mix, cream cheese, and white chocolate chips for a perfectly moist, sweet, and tangy treat that stays soft for days.
Ingredients
6 tbsp salted butter, melted
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 (3.4 oz) pack instant lemon pudding mix
1/2 tsp almond extract
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups gluten-free multi-purpose flour (King Arthur brand recommended)
1/2 tsp xanthan gum (if not included in flour blend)
1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and let cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese, shortening, eggs, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add melted butter and lemon pudding mix, then mix again until fully combined. Stir in almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum if needed.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look set.
- Cool cookies on pan for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Add 1 tsp lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract for extra citrus flavor.
For a tart contrast, drizzle with lemon glaze after cooling.
Replace white chocolate chips with macadamia nuts for a milder sweetness.
Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Store with a slice of bread to keep cookies soft.
Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg