When life hands you a box of lemon cake mix, make lemon cookies! That's my motto, anyway. There's something about the tangy zing of lemon that can really perk up your day, and these 3-Ingredient Soft Lemon Cookies do exactly that. Perfect for when you're craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a lifesaver during those busy weeks when you're balancing deadlines at work with a need for some comforting, homemade treats. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a shortcut to dessert heaven?

These pillowy soft cookies are delightful on their own, but to elevate your treat experience, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. On a hot day, nothing beats a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or lemonade to go alongside these zesty morsels. And for those cozy evenings, a cup of herbal tea could be your cookie’s best friend.

3-Ingredient Soft Lemon Cookies
Servings: 24 cookies

1 package lemon cake mix (any brand will do, just make sure it's around 15.25 to 18.25 ounces)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper for super easy clean-up.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until well blended. The mixture should be thick and doughy – if you’re feeling sunny, it's about the color of a summer's day!

3. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets. For a more professional look, I like to gently pat down the tops of the balls.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 9 minutes, or until just set and the edges are slightly golden. The key to keeping them soft is to not overbake them – they'll firm up as they cool!

5. Once done, allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you're up for a hint of extra flair, zest a lemon and mix the zest into your dough for more lemon oomph – just make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly first. You can also toss the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking to add a touch of sweetness and create a crinkled effect. Oh, and for my gluten-sensitive friends, you're not left out of this cookie party – many stores carry a gluten-free lemon cake mix, so just swap that in, and you're set!

If you've got kiddos or are simply feeling playful, press a candy-coated chocolate piece into the center of each cookie right after baking. Or, stay on the lemon train and add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice once they've cooled. It's your canvas; create the cookie masterpiece you crave!

There you have it, friends – fresh-baked joy with only three ingredients. Who knew a boxed cake mix could be the start of something so delightful? Let me know how they turn out, I'd love to hear about your cookie adventures! Happy baking!

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