1 box(3.4 ounces) of lemon or vanilla instant pudding mix
1tablespoonlemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2large eggs
1teaspoonof lemon extract
Lemon White Chocolate Glaze
½cupof Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
1tablespoonof fresh lemon juice(about 1 medium lemon)
Instructions
PREHEAT the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (See note #1.)
MELT the butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe container. Heat for about 45 seconds. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
POUR the dry cake mix and pudding mix into a large bowl. Stir in the lemon zest. Add the melted butter, eggs, and lemon extract. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough is combined. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are combined into the cookie dough.
REST the cookie dough for 10 minutes. This resting period gives the dough time to absorb the moisture and become the perfect scoopable texture.
SCOOP the cookie dough balls with a large scoop (2 tablespoons size is ideal). Roll the dough ball in your hands to make it smooth. Then flatten the cookie slightly with your palms. (See note #2.)
PLACE the cookie dough about two inches apart on the lined baking sheet.
BAKE in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are done. The middles may not look completely done, but they will finish baking with the residual heat when they are out of the oven.
REMOVE the cookie sheet from the oven and turn the oven off when all the cookies are done baking.
SHAPE the cookies uniformly. Use a round cookie ring that is larger than the size of the cookie. A 2½ to 3 inch size works well for these cookies. (A cookie ring is essentially a round cookie cutter.) Position the cookie ring around the warm cookie, ensuring that the ring completely encircles the cookie. With the cookie inside the ring, start rotating the ring around the cookie. Continue rotating for about 5 seconds. As you rotate, you'll notice the sides of the cookie pulling in, and the cookie gradually becoming rounder and more uniform in shape. The warmth of the cookie will help it conform to the ring. By the end of the rotation, the cookie should have taken on a perfectly round shape. Repeat this technique with all the cookies.
PLACE the cookie sheet on a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
TRANSFER the cookies from the cookie sheet to the cooling rack. Cool them completely.
Make the Glaze & Decorate
JUICE the lemon.
MELT the white chocolate in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl.
STIR in the lemon juice.
TRANSFER the white chocolate lemon glaze to a frosting decorating bag. Work quickly before the chocolate hardens.
PLACE all the cookies on a sheet of parchment paper.
DRIZZLE the glaze back and forth across the cookie.
REST the cookies until the glaze dries.
ENJOY right away.
Notes
Grease the cookie sheet if you aren't lining it with parchment paper. Otherwise, these cookies will stick to the pan.
Roll the dough into a smooth ball after scooping it to give the cookie surface a smoother appearance.
Try the cookie reshaping trick. Use the cookie ring trick for rounder, uniform cookies. This may seem tedious, but it's a fantastic way to get that professional, bakery-style look.