Dreamy Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe: Sweet Zesty Joy!

Soft, buttery cookies dance with bright lemon zest in this irresistible lemon cream cheese cookies recipe that promises pure delight.

The zingy citrus notes swirl through each tender bite, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Cream cheese adds a luxurious richness that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.

Every crumb packs a burst of sunshine-inspired goodness that elevates simple baking to an art form.

These cookies bring a refreshing twist to traditional treats, making them perfect for afternoon tea or a delightful dessert.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your kitchen into a bakery of delectable magic.

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistible morsels that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ways to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies for Spring

• Citrus Brunch Companion: Pair these soft lemon cookies with a light mimosa or fresh orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve alongside lavender Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated and refreshing dessert experience that complements the zesty lemon flavor.
• Dessert Platter Delight: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a small dollop of whipped cream for an Instagram-worthy presentation that enhances their bright, tangy profile.
• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack these cookies in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, where their light texture and citrusy notes will be a welcome addition to sandwiches and fresh fruit salads.

Storing Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies the Right Way

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to original baking time.
• Keep glazed cookies in a single layer to maintain their delicate appearance and prevent smudging. Allow glaze to fully set before stacking.
• If preparing ahead, keep dough refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Let dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.

FAQs

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for set edges and tops that appear slightly underbaked. They should look soft but not wet, typically after 10-12 minutes in the oven.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for maximum flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

This could happen if your butter was too soft or warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape.

• How can I make my cookies extra lemony?

Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and use fresh lemon juice in both the cookie mixture and glaze. The zest provides more intense lemon flavor than juice alone.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 24

Lemon Cream Cheese Cookie Ingredients to Gather

• Butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft cookie texture with smooth melting properties.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness and ensures incredibly tender cookie crumb with velvety smoothness.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden, crisp edges during baking.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie's structural integrity.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, zesty citrus flavor and helps balance sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant, concentrated lemon essence.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with warm, rounded notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's foundational structure and ensures tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and develop light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Promotes even browning and supports gentle cookie expansion.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor profiles.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy coating with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Thins glaze and adds refreshing citrus punch.
• Lemon Zest: Provides decorative touch and extra lemony brightness.

Equipment That Brings Out the Best in Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for beating butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients and creating a lump-free glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Spoon: Helpful for scooping dough and flattening cookie tops.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the lemon glaze.

How to Bake Soft Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend butter, cream cheese, and sugar until they become a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Pour in egg, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla, stirring until everything looks silky smooth.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your creamy mixture, creating a soft, dreamy dough.

• Shape and Prepare Cookies

Scoop small dollops of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a spoon to gently press down on each cookie, giving them a slightly flattened look.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into a preheated 350F oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set and tops appear slightly underdone. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes.

• Create Zesty Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until you have a smooth, tangy glaze. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as desired.

• Finish with Glaze

Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the bright lemon glaze over the top. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving these sunshine-inspired treats.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Tangy Lemon Cookies

• Enhance the citrus flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a more pronounced lemon taste that'll make your cookies sing.
• Prep the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months, giving you a quick dessert solution whenever cravings hit.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the soft, tender texture.
• Replace butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese to create a delicious option for those avoiding dairy products.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique variations that'll keep your taste buds excited and your baking adventures fresh.

Heavenly Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon cream cheese cookies bring zesty brightness to classic dessert lovers. Quick homemade treats combine tangy citrus with creamy richness, promising pure sweet satisfaction for cookie enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter, cream cheese, and sugar until achieving a fluffy, light texture in a mixing bowl.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Blend egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until completely smooth and homogeneous.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together to ensure uniform consistency and eliminate potential clumps.
4. Dough Formation: Delicately incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, folding gently until a soft, cohesive dough develops without overmixing.
5. Cookie Shaping and Placement: Arrange uniform cookie portions on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart, and gently flatten each mound using a spoon to create rounded shapes.
6. Baking Process: Slide baking sheets into a preheated 350°F oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges set and tops appear slightly underbaked.
7. Cooling and Stabilization: Rest cookies on baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Lemon Glaze Creation: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest, adjusting consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.
9. Glazing and Finishing: Once cookies have completely cooled, drizzle or spread lemon glaze across surfaces and allow 15-20 minutes for glaze to set into a glossy finish.

Notes

Soften Ingredients Strategically: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture, preventing dense or lumpy results.

Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stopping precisely when ingredients combine to maintain soft, tender cookie consistency and prevent tough cookies.

Control Glaze Consistency: Start with small liquid additions when preparing lemon glaze, incrementally adjusting powdered sugar or lemon juice to achieve perfect drizzling or spreading thickness without becoming too runny or thick.

Bake for Delicate Texture: Watch cookies closely during baking, removing from oven when edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue cooking on hot baking sheet and ensure maximum softness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg