Irresistible Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

These soft glazed lemon cream cheese cookies dance with zesty brightness and creamy elegance.

Sweet citrus notes weave through delicate pastry edges, creating a memorable bite that surprises.

Tender crumbs melt surprisingly quickly on your tongue, releasing bright flavor profiles.

Delightful hints of tangy cream cheese balance the gentle sweetness perfectly.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical in your kitchen today.

Whispers of sunshine emerge from each carefully crafted cookie, promising pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible treat.

Tips For Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Master Lemon Zesting: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture bright, fragrant lemon zest without the bitter white pith, ensuring maximum citrusy flavor in every bite.
• Prevent Overworking Dough: Mix ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and soft, avoiding tough, dense textures that can happen with excessive stirring.
• Achieve Perfect Cookie Spacing: Leave about 2 inches between dough balls on the baking sheet, allowing cookies to spread evenly and bake uniformly without merging together.
• Create Smooth Glaze Consistency: Gradually add lemon juice to powdered sugar, stirring until you reach a drizzle-friendly texture that coats cookies beautifully without being too runny or thick.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Storage Guide

• Preserve these delightful lemon cream cheese cookies with care.
• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay soft and fresh.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Refrigerate the glazed cookies if you want to extend their shelf life to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and softness.
• For long-term storage, freeze unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and add the glaze just before serving to keep their zesty charm intact.

What To Serve With Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Pair with Chilled Citrus Tea: Brew a light, refreshing white tea or herbal citrus blend that complements the lemon's bright flavor. The cool, zesty drink enhances the cookie's delicate lemon notes and provides a crisp counterpoint.
• Match with Lavender Honey Yogurt: Create a creamy side dish using Greek yogurt stirred with local honey and a hint of dried lavender. This pairing adds a smooth, floral dimension that balances the cookie's tangy sweetness.
• Serve alongside Fresh Berry Compote: Prepare a quick mixed berry sauce with strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of sugar. The fruit's natural tartness and vibrant color beautifully highlight the cookie's lemon glaze and creamy texture.
• Recommend Classic Vanilla Gelato: Scoop a small portion of smooth, rich vanilla gelato next to the cookies. Its subtle sweetness and silky consistency create a delightful contrast with the cookie's bright, zesty profile.

Ways To Change Up Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Lime Cream Cheese Cookies: Swap lemon juice and zest with fresh lime juice and zest for a tropical citrus flavor that brings a zesty punch to the classic cookie.
• Lavender Lemon Cookies: Incorporate dried lavender buds into the dough and add a hint of lavender extract to create an elegant, floral-infused version of the original recipe.
• Orange Cream Cheese Cookies: Replace lemon with orange juice and zest, creating a bright, sunshiny cookie that captures the essence of fresh citrus.
• Almond Lemon Cookies: Mix in finely ground almonds or almond extract to the dough, adding a nutty complexity that complements the tangy lemon glaze perfectly.

Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies FAQ

• Why use cream cheese in these cookies?

Cream cheese adds incredible moisture and a rich, tangy flavor that makes these cookies incredibly soft and tender, creating a unique texture you’ll love.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always best because it provides brighter, more vibrant flavor and natural citrus oils that really make these cookies sing. Bottled juice will work in a pinch but won’t be as zesty.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. They might seem slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and set up perfectly as they cool.

• What makes the glaze special in this recipe?

The lemon glaze adds a bright, sweet finish that enhances the citrus flavor and gives the cookies a beautiful, glossy appearance that makes them look professionally made.

Why Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Shine

• Savor Zesty Simplicity: These lemon cream cheese cookies deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for bakers who want delicious results without complex techniques.
• Whip Up Quick Delights: The entire recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Delight Family Taste Buds: With its bright, tangy lemon flavor and soft cream cheese base, this cookie appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing treat that brings everyone together.
• Elevate Everyday Moments: These cookies transform ordinary afternoons into special occasions, whether enjoyed with afternoon tea, packed in lunchboxes, or served as a sweet weekend surprise.

Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Ingredients

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Rich, creamy foundation that creates soft and tender cookie texture. European-style or high-fat content butter recommended for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and add structure to cookies. Fresh, room temperature egg works best.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes. Use fresh lemons for most vibrant taste.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor complexity. Pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to cookies. Sifted flour ensures smooth consistency.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light. Make sure they are fresh for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Creates smooth, tangy glaze. Adjust consistency by adding more liquid or sugar.
• Lemon Zest (Optional): Adds extra burst of citrus flavor to glaze.

How To Make Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Egg
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend until everything is harmoniously combined.

Step 4: Craft the Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are perfectly mixed.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. The centers will look soft and delicate.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up the Zesty Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice

Stir until smooth and glossy. Add extra lemon zest for an intense citrus kick if desired.

Step 10: Finish with a Glaze Flourish

Drizzle the tangy glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set, creating a beautiful, shiny finish that promises a burst of lemony goodness in every bite.

Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies bring sunshine to classic dessert moments. Creamy, zesty bites promise delightful flavor that melts perfectly on taste buds, making you crave another irresistible cookie.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Dairy Ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by preheating oven to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a creamy base by whipping butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until achieving a light, airy texture that promises delicate cookies.
3. Infuse flavor by incorporating egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and vanilla extract, blending until ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
4. Develop structural integrity by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Merge wet and dry components with gentle precision, mixing until ingredients just combine to maintain the cookies’ tender crumb.
6. Shape the dough into uniform tablespoon-sized spheres, strategically placing them on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing to allow for spreading.
7. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges while preserving soft, pillowy centers that promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.
9. Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until achieving a silky, smooth consistency, optionally enhancing with additional lemon zest for brightness.
10. Finalize the cookies by elegantly drizzling the zesty glaze over completely cooled cookies, allowing it to set and create a glossy, tantalizing finish.

Notes

• Softening ingredients like butter and cream cheese at room temperature helps create a smoother, fluffier cookie texture.
• Zesting lemons directly over the mixing bowl captures maximum essential oils, boosting the citrusy flavor profile.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same delicate cookie consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 186
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 88 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg