The moment you take a bite of these Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies, your taste buds will be dancing like nobody’s watching. Imagine the zesty lemon flavor mingling with creamy cheese, creating a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. cookies and cream cookies It’s like sunshine on a plate, and who doesn’t need that in their life? Perfect for an afternoon snack or as a delightful dessert at any gathering, these cookies will have everyone asking for seconds. creamy Swedish meatballs delightful shortbread cookies.
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 other types of cheese?
- How do I know when they are done baking?
- Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I can still hear my grandma’s laughter echoing through the kitchen as we whipped up a batch together on sunny Saturdays. Those warm memories of flour-covered countertops and sweet aromas wafting through the air bring me back to simpler times. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy family get-together, these cookies always steal the show and have everyone begging for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy bakers
- The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with rich cream cheese for an irresistible treat
- Their delicate appearance makes them visually appealing on any dessert platter
- Enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up or serve at gatherings for instant smiles
Sharing these cookies brought joy to friends at my last book club meeting; they devoured every crumb!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that gives structure to the cookies; sift it for extra fluffiness.
- Baking Powder: This helps your cookies rise and gives them that delightful chewiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for ease; it adds richness to each cookie.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened too; it’s the secret to that delicious creaminess.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the deal; consider using some brown sugar for depth.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh zest is key here; it brightens up the entire cookie with citrusy goodness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice takes these cookies from good to amazing—trust me on this one!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity; opt for pure extract if possible.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top, giving your cookies that beautiful finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepping Your Cookie Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well mixed, then set aside.
Creaming Time!: In another bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You want it light and fluffy—think whipped clouds of happiness!
Sweeten the Deal: Gradually add granulated sugar into your butter mixture while continuing to mix. Add lemon zest and vanilla extract next. This will smell divine!
The Citrus Boost!: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and mix everything until you achieve a smooth consistency. Feel free to dance while you mix—it adds extra flavor!
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add your dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix or your cookies might turn tough!
Baking Time!: Scoop small portions of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—the aroma will call you over!
Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or serve them warm for maximum enjoyment!
Enjoy every bite of these Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies while reminiscing about special moments shared over sweet treats! For more inspiration, check out this No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie recipe.
You Must Know
- These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious
- The combination of citrus and cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in
- Plus, they make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and cream cheese together before adding sugar. This ensures a light, airy texture in your cookies.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different citrus zests like lime or orange to give your cookies a unique twist. chocolate thumbprint cookies You can also add white chocolate chips for sweetness!
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If needed, gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, always use room-temperature ingredients to achieve that fluffy texture
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading during baking
- Lastly, zest your lemons just before using them for maximum freshness!
Baking these cookies reminds me of times spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and sweetness mingled like flour and sugar, creating unforgettable memories.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Cream cheese gives the best flavor, but mascarpone can be a tasty alternative.
How do I know when they are done baking?
These cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze well; just ensure they are properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful burst of flavor from these Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies. With zesty lemon and creamy cheese, each bite offers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying an afternoon treat, these cookies will brighten your day and leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (fresh)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing well. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Add lemon juice and mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
