Lemon Dream Cool Whip Cookies

$To make Lemon Cool Whip Cookies, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup lemon Cool Whip (thawed) - 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Extra powdered sugar for dusting Using fresh ingredients is key to great flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest make the cookies bright and zesty. They add a clean taste that dried or bottled options can’t match. Fresh Cool Whip also helps create the right texture. It keeps the cookies light and fluffy. Always choose the best ingredients for the best results. If you have allergies, you can still make these cookies! For gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. Instead of Cool Whip, try a dairy-free whipped topping for a vegan option. You can also replace lemon juice with orange juice if you prefer a different flavor. Keep in mind that these swaps may change the final taste and texture slightly. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting your cookies just right. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Make sure the paper covers the whole sheet. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until everything blends well. This mix gives your cookies a great base. Now, move to a large mixing bowl. Here, combine the wet ingredients. Start with 1/2 cup of thawed lemon Cool Whip. Add 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix gently until combined. This creates a light and fluffy batter. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Use a spatula to stir until a sticky dough forms. Don't worry if it feels sticky; that's normal! Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. If you like, sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top. Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set perfectly. Enjoy the sweet lemon scent as they bake! To get the best texture for your Lemon Cool Whip Cookies, focus on the dough. It should feel soft and sticky. If your dough seems too dry, add a bit more lemon Cool Whip. This will help keep your cookies moist and chewy. Bake them until the edges are just golden. The centers might look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can also refrigerate them for extra freshness. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying. To boost the lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can even add a bit more zest if you want a stronger taste. A pinch of lemon extract can also add depth to the flavor. Experiment to find your perfect lemon balance! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For an even better texture, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a softer center. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and aroma of fresh lemons. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly, especially since they may look soft in the center when done. Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of lemon extract or a handful of white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by using other citrus zests. Try orange or lime zest. Each adds a unique taste to the cookies. They will still be light and fluffy. Experiment with different zests for fun new flavors. A mix of zests can also work well together. This way, you make the cookies your own. Adding mix-ins is a great way to enhance your cookies. White chocolate chips pair well with lemon's zest. You can add up to half a cup of chips. Other options include nuts or dried fruit. These add texture and flavor to each bite. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! If you need a gluten-free option, it's easy to swap. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend works for baking. The cookies will still taste great! You can also check for gluten-free Cool Whip. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. To keep your Lemon Cool Whip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste. You can freeze these cookies for future treats. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. When stored properly, Lemon Cool Whip Cookies stay tasty for about three days at room temperature. If kept in the fridge, they can last for about a week. In the freezer, they maintain their flavor for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying your cookies. No, you cannot use regular whipped cream. Cool Whip has a unique texture. It is lighter and fluffier than regular whipped cream. This helps create soft, airy cookies. If you want to try it, the cookies may not turn out the same. Stick with lemon Cool Whip for the best results. Look for the edges of the cookies. They should be slightly golden. The centers may still look soft. This is normal! They will firm up as they cool. Set a timer for 10-12 minutes. Check them around the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking. These cookies pair well with tea or lemonade. You can also serve them with fresh fruit. Sliced strawberries or blueberries add color and flavor. For a fun twist, try serving them with vanilla ice cream. The soft, tart cookie goes great with creamy ice cream. Yes! To make these cookies vegan, replace Cool Whip with a plant-based whipped topping. Use a dairy-free lemon juice. You can also swap the egg with a flaxseed egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This will help bind the cookies together. Understanding the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips make cookie baking easier. Fresh ingredients boost flavor, while smart substitutions ensure allergy safety. Experiment with flavors and mix-ins for unique cookies. Remember to store them well for lasting freshness. Whether you stick to the classic or try a variation, these cookies are sure to please. Happy baking!$

Lemon Dream Cool Whip Cookies

Delicious and light cookies made with lemon Cool Whip, perfect for a refreshing treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup lemon Cool Whip (thawed)
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 lemon Zest of
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon Cool Whip, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a soft dough forms. The dough will be sticky but that's okay!
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
If desired, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top of each cookie before baking for a sweeter finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter and dust with additional powdered sugar. You can add a few lemon slices or zest curls on the side for a bright, fresh look!

Keyword cookies, dessert, easy, lemon