Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zestiness of lemon with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are baking for a party or just craving something sweet, these cookies will satisfy your taste buds and make your kitchen smell wonderful.
Why Make This Recipe
These cookies are not just delicious; they are also simple to make. The combination of buttery cookie dough and tangy cream cheese filling creates a unique taste that stands out from ordinary cookies. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a great addition to any gathering.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the filling by beating together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolks and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Place half of these dough balls on the prepared baking sheets.
- Press the center of each ball with your thumb to create a well, and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each well.
- Top with the remaining dough balls and gently press the edges to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh but can also be enjoyed later. They go well with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them on a dessert platter at parties or gatherings for a sweet addition that everyone will love.
How to Store Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
To store your Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about a week.
Tips to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined for soft cookies.
- Experiment with the amount of lemon juice to adjust the tanginess to your preference.
Variation
If you want to add a twist to these cookies, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also try using different citrus fruits, like orange or lime, instead of lemon.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Place them in an airtight container and they will remain good for up to 3 months. Make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
2. Can I replace cream cheese with something else?
You can try using mascarpone cheese as a substitute, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
3. Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, the recipe includes all-purpose flour. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, and the cookies should still turn out well.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies combining the zestiness of lemon with creamy cream cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare the filling by beating cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add egg yolks and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place half on prepared baking sheets.
- Press the center of each ball to create a well, and spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling into each well.
- Top with remaining dough balls and gently press edges to seal.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing. You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, lemon, dessert, cream cheese, baking