Name: Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup powdered sugar (optional)

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Bright, tangy, and decadently creamy, the Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe transforms all the sunshine of lemon cheesecake into a delightfully soft, pillowy cookie. Zesty lemon juice and zest mingle beautifully with luscious cream cheese for the perfect bite—just the right balance of tart, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth richness. Whether you’re baking for a spring celebration, sharing with friends over tea, or simply craving something special, these cookies bring dessert magic straight to your kitchen.

Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of familiar pantry staples, but each ingredient in the Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe plays a vital role—taking these cookies from good to unforgettable. Take a peek below to see how every element adds its own touch, from creamy texture to citrus sparkle.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret to a creamy, cheesecake-like texture that infuses every bite with tangy depth.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and balances all the citrus tartness.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and gives the cookies structure.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings bright, fresh lemon flavor that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs an extra punch of lemon oil for a fragrant, citrusy aroma.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and gentle sweetness, mellowing the bold lemon notes.
All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): Provides the cookie’s foundation while keeping its texture soft and cakey.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Ensures a light and fluffy rise.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the flavors and amplifies the lemony goodness.
Powdered sugar (½ cup, for rolling, optional): Creates a sweet, crackly exterior and makes the cookies extra pretty—perfect for special occasions.

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by setting the scene—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your dough is. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which guarantees those gorgeous cookies won’t stick and bakes up perfectly every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step adds air, ensuring your cookies stay soft and tender.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time for a burst of sunshine! Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well, making sure everything is fully combined. You should start to smell that irresistible lemony aroma.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately

In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients apart from the wet prevents any clumps and keeps the texture of your Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe perfectly soft.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together and Chill

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix! Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this chill time helps prevent the cookies from spreading and ensures those pillowy centers.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. If you want that classic, crinkly look and a touch of extra sweetness, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar before setting them on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave about 2 inches between each ball; they need room to spread a little as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and the tops to be just slightly cracked—this means they’ll be perfectly soft in the center! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle the cookies with a little extra fresh lemon zest. If powdered sugar isn’t enough for you, try a delicate drizzle of lemon glaze made with lemon juice and a bit more powdered sugar. Fresh berries on the side can also make each plate feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with a cup of hot tea, a refreshing glass of lemonade, or even some softly whipped cream. The cookies go beautifully with chilled fruit salad, or served alongside a simple lemon sorbet for a lemon lover’s dream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in clear jars and tie them with a ribbon for cheerful edible gifts, or arrange them on a tiered dessert platter alongside other tea-time treats. For parties, make mini cookie sandwiches with a swipe of lemon cream cheese frosting in the middle for something delightfully different.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cream cheese ensures they stay soft, but if you’re in a particularly warm climate, consider refrigerating to preserve their freshness.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. If freezing dough, scoop into balls and place on a tray in the freezer until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies a little warm and fresh-from-the-oven, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that delightfully soft, gooey texture that makes this Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

For the brightest, freshest flavor, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works—just expect a slightly milder lemon profile.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, creating that dreamy, pillowy texture unique to a great Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Absolutely! If you’re a true citrus lover, add a few drops of lemon extract or a bit more zest to bump up the zing without making the dough too wet.

What’s the best way to get perfect, even cookies?

A small cookie scoop or tablespoon ensures each cookie is a similar size so they bake evenly. Rolling the dough into smooth balls before baking also guarantees a beautiful finish.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! They package up beautifully in boxes or jars—simply separate layers with parchment paper to keep them looking as lovely as they taste. The Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe makes for a delightful homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

If you love that burst of lemony sunshine balanced by cheesecake creaminess, you absolutely need to try this Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re serving them for a special event or as a sweet pick-me-up on an ordinary day, these cookies are sure to bring joy with every bite!

Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors in cookie form. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of citrus, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For Rolling:

½ cup powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and optionally roll in powdered sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool before serving.