How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on classic cookies, then lemon cheesecake cookies are the perfect choice.
These delightful cookies combine the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Whether you’re planning a family dessert, a cookie exchange, or simply want something new to bake, these lemon cheesecake cookies will not disappoint.
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Why Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Are the Perfect Dessert
Lemon desserts are beloved for their refreshing, citrusy punch that perfectly complements sweet treats. By adding the creaminess of cheesecake, these cookies take on a luxurious texture that’s melt-in-your-mouth good. What makes them even better is that they are incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients. You get the delicious flavor of cheesecake without all the work of a full-blown cheesecake, and the light, tangy taste of lemon makes them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
To create these irresistible lemon cheesecake cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for the best flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Center:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
For the Coating (optional but highly recommended):
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside for later.
In a separate, large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the buttercream cheese mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. The dough will be thick but smooth. Once the dough is ready, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
While the dough is chilling, it’s time to prepare the cheesecake center. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Beat until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the rich, tangy center of your cookies.
You can adjust the lemon juice depending on how tart you want the filling to be. If you love a bit more citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Using your finger or the back of a spoon, make a small indent in the center of each dough ball. This will create a little pocket where you can add the cheesecake filling.
Spoon a small amount of the cheesecake filling into each indent, about 1 teaspoon per cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling can spread during baking.
4. Bake the Lemon Cheesecake Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The cheesecake filling should look slightly set, but still soft in the center.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Coat the Cookies (Optional but Delicious):
While the cookies are cooling, mix together the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl. Once the cookies have cooled completely, gently roll the edges of each cookie in the lemon sugar mixture for an extra burst of flavor and a sparkly finish.
The coating adds a sweet and tangy layer that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesecake filling inside. It’s an optional step but highly recommended if you want to take these cookies to the next level.
Why These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Are So Special
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The combination of sweet cookie dough and the tangy cheesecake filling makes these cookies the perfect treat for those who love a little tartness in their desserts. The lemon zest in both the dough and the filling provides a fresh, bright flavor that’s especially refreshing for spring or summer.
Creamy and Rich Filling: The cheesecake center brings a rich, creamy texture that’s luxurious without being too heavy. It’s the kind of filling that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance and delicious taste, these cookies are very easy to make. With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a bakery-worthy treat at home.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the amount of lemon zest or juice based on your personal preferences. If you like a stronger cheesecake flavor, you can even add a little more cream cheese to the filling.
Serving and Storing Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a fancy party. They can be served on their own or paired with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade.
Storage Tip: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
A Sweet, Zesty, and Irresistible Treat
These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are a unique and delightful twist on traditional cookies. With a creamy cheesecake filling and a burst of fresh lemon, they offer the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab your mixing bowl and bake up a batch of these deliciously zesty cookies today!
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Source: a little calm
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