Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are like sunshine wrapped in a delightful, sweet hug. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth, bursting with the refreshing zing of lemon and the creamy richness of cream cheese. chocolate thumbprint cookies The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist this delectable treat. buttery shortbread cookies The perfect snack for a sunny afternoon or a cozy gathering, these cookies will leave everyone craving more. For more inspiration, check out this No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies?
- How can I make my cookies more lemony?
- What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the tantalizing scent of her lemon cookies. Every family gathering turned into a cookie-eating contest that often ended in flour fights and happy bellies. Today, I’m thrilled to pass on this recipe that brings back those cherished memories while creating new ones for you and your loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice bakers
- Their zesty flavor is balanced perfectly by the creamy texture, leaving everyone wanting seconds
- Visually stunning with their golden edges and soft centers, they look fabulous on any dessert platter
- Versatile enough for tea parties or casual snacking, these cookies fit every occasion beautifully
The first time I made these cookies, my friends devoured them so quickly I barely had one myself!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking that forms the base of our cookies; use a good quality flour for best results.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors; don’t skip it or your cookies might taste flat.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for creamier dough; it gives the cookies that rich flavor we love.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference. hot cocoa treats.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; large eggs work best for this recipe.
- Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that brings creaminess and tang; choose full-fat for maximum flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Adds bright citrus notes; freshly grated zest makes all the difference!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances the lemony goodness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it here.
- Powdered Sugar (for icing): Optional but recommended for a sweet finish; sifted powdered sugar creates smooth icing. cinnamon sugar blondies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on your countertop. Ensure everything is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution throughout your cookie dough.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add Cream Cheese and Egg: Blend in softened cream cheese until smooth before adding the egg. Mix until fully incorporated; you want a creamy mixture without lumps.
Add Lemon Goodness: Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice to infuse the batter with bright flavors. The aroma will be utterly irresistible at this point!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry mix into the wet mixture while stirring gently until no flour pockets remain. Don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender texture!
Scoop and Bake Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
Cool Down and Ice (Optional): Once baked, let them cool on wire racks before icing with powdered sugar mixed with a splash of lemon juice if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Now you have delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies ready to impress! They won’t last long once you share them with family or friends—trust me! For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful burst of flavor that will brighten any day
- The perfect blend of tangy and sweet, these cookies are soft, chewy, and smell heavenly while baking
- Ideal for sharing or savoring alone!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Then add sugar and lemon zest before incorporating dry ingredients. This sequence ensures a fluffy texture and balanced flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon zest with lime for a tropical twist or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Experiment with different citrus fruits to find your favorite flavor combo.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer bag and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, chill your dough for at least an hour to enhance flavors
- Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking while ensuring even cooking
- Always taste your dough before baking to adjust sweetness or lemon zing as needed!
Baking these cookies always reminds me of my first attempt when I accidentally used too much lemon zest. My friends loved it, declaring it a “zesty surprise,” so now I embrace those happy accidents!
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works but may slightly alter the texture.
How can I make my cookies more lemony?
Add extra lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to intensify flavor.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps firm it up for easier handling.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion—from sunny afternoons to cozy gatherings. With their beautiful golden edges and irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, these cookies will become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a burst of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Powdered sugar (for icing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the cream cheese and egg to the butter mixture; blend until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop rounded balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on wire racks before icing with powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
