In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Beat in egg yolk and water. Beat in as much cake mix as you can. Stir in remaining cake mix with a wooden spoon.
Stir in vinegar and lemon peel until just combined. Add raisins, if you like. Stir in coconut, nuts, and basil.
Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms of cookies are lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 54 cookies.