Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

It’s impossible to not like cookies, right? That’s how it seems whenever we’re faced with a cookie, regardless of whether it’s new to us or a familiar standby.

So, in the cookie-loving spirit of things, we decided to whip up a batch of bright, summery cookies that are light and refreshing and perfectly tart…what we came up with were these adorable lemon cream cheese cookies.

Lemon is one of our favorite flavors to cook and bake with—there are so many ways to use it! It lends itself really well to sweets since it keeps them from being cloying.

The same goes for the surprising addition of cream cheese, as it adds the slightest bit of tang that rounds out these cookies and keeps us coming back for more. If the thought of lemon and cream cheese doesn’t draw you in, all you have to do is take a look at how cute these babies are! Make a batch and watch ‘em disappear…we can’t get enough!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. Their light and refreshing flavor make them an ideal treat for any occasion, especially when you want something that’s not too heavy. Plus, they’re adorably cute and sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large bowl or mixer
• Medium bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Tablespoon or ice cream scoop
• Whisk

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Icing:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl or mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar and beat until creamy.
2. Mix in egg, then vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy and lightened in color, about 5-6 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, lemon zest, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
4. Alternate between adding the flour mixture and the lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Mix until a rough dough comes together. If needed, add a little more flour so the dough isn’t sticky.
6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until chilled.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350º F.
8. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, and use a tablespoon or ice cream scoop to scoop cookie dough. Roll dough between your hands to create balls, then transfer to lined baking sheets.
9. Place baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are just starting to brown and pull away from the baking sheet.
10. Remove cookies from oven and let cool completely.

To make icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Add more or less powdered sugar depending on how thick you want your icing. Once cookies are cool, drizzle icing over them and let set before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Chilling the dough is crucial for the perfect texture, so don’t skip this step.
• For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced variation.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each cookie provides a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, with moderate calories and fat, making it a treat you can indulge in without too much guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

How long will these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.

Can I use other citrus fruits? Absolutely! Try using lime or orange for a different citrus twist.

Conclusion

These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the refreshing flavor of lemon with the creamy tang of cream cheese. They’re perfect for any occasion, and we’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!