Lime Cookies with Cake Mix

Let’s face it, when you’re working, taking care of the house, and trying to do your best to raise your tiny humans, there’s not a lot of time for complicated recipes. Which is why I love easy and fun recipes like these lime cookies made with cake mix.

These soft, lightly flavored cookies are a delightful way to mix up your dessert menu for St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, or even just a day of summer fun with the kids.

Why You’ll Love these Lime Cookies

• Simple: Easy to find ingredients and one bowl make this so simple to pull together.
• Flavor: If you love lemon cookies, then the combination of citrusy lime and tangy cream cheese is sure to be a hit.
• Texture: These cookies are pillowy soft, and so yummy!
• Make ahead: Lime cookies actually taste better the day after you bake them, which means they’re a fantastic make-ahead party treat.

Step-by-Step Directions:

To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Make the cookies:

Step 1 – Add cake mix, lime jello, softened butter, softened cream cheese and 1 egg to a large bowl.

Step 2 – Mix on medium speed until well combined and smooth.

Step 3 – Scoop the dough into balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.

Step 4 – Gently flatten the cookies with the bottom of a flat glass.

Step 5 – Bake at 325˚F for 12-14 minutes.

Step 6 – Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer to a cooling rack until completely cooled.

Decorate the cookies:

Step 7 – Add white chocolate chips to a small microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval. When the chips are mostly (but not completely) melted, continue to stir until smooth.

Don’t forget to check out my guide for how to melt chocolate for any troubleshooting you may have regarding the chocolate chips.

Step 8 – Transfer the melted white chocolate chips to a sandwich bag and snip off a small corner of the bag. Drizzle the white chocolate back and forth over each cookie.

Step 9 – Add rainbow sprinkles for a fun touch, then allow the chocolate to set. Enjoy!

Essential Tips:

Don’t skip these tips – read them before baking to avoid any potential mistakes.

• Believe it or not, there’s something magical in the mix that makes these cookies taste best the day after you bake them.
• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are well softened so you don’t have to overmix your dough.
• I like to use the smallest cookie scoop from this set to ensure all my cookies are evenly sized.
• For easy clean up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. (The cookies have enough fat that they shouldn’t stick to the pans)
• When flattening your dough, use a small square of parchment or wax paper to prevent the glass from sticking.

Adaptations and Variations:

Want some ways to make these cookies your own? Here are some ideas.

• Instead of the chocolate drizzle, sprinkle white chocolate chips on top or mix them into the cookie dough.
• Amp up the lime flavor with a teaspoon of fresh lime juice and some lime zest in the cookie dough.
• Looking to make them even more green? Add a 3-4 drops of green food coloring to the dough.
• For a summery twist, add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of coconut extract.
• Don’t want to deal with white chocolate at all? Try dusting the cookies with a bit of powdered sugar just before serving.

FAQs:

Can these cookies be made gluten free?

Yes! We’ve also tested this recipe with a 17 ounce box of Pillsbury Gluten Free Classic Yellow cake mix with no problems.

Can I use other flavored jello?

Sure! They won’t be lime cookies anymore, but other flavors should give you a fun array of cookies to enjoy.

Do the cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, there is no need to refrigerate these cookies as long as they are stored in an airtight container. (See storage tips below.)

Baking these cookies for St. Patrick’s Day?

Make your St. Patty’s celebration complete with some cute St. Patrick’s Day printables, including games, decorations, editable signs, and more all in one easy place.

Storage Tips/Freezing, Etc.

Cake mix lime cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but are best for the first 3 days.

To freeze these cookies: Make sure they’re completely cooled, and place undecorated cookies in a hard sized, freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Note: I do not recommend freezing your cookies in a zip top bag. These cookies are very soft and could get broken if jostled with other frozen items.

If you liked my Lime Cookies with Cake Mix, you’re going to love my Strawberry Lemon Bars. They’re the perfect combination of tart lemon flavor with sweet summer strawberries all topped with a gorgeous pink strawberry glaze.

Or you can check out my other St. Patrick’s Day ideas and all my desserts recipes here.

---