Soft Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies

Soft Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies are irresistibly light, tender, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. The addition of cream cheese makes these cookies incredibly soft and slightly tangy, creating the perfect balance between sweet and citrusy. These delightful cookies are perfect for spring, summer, or whenever you need a refreshing, zesty treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Soft Texture – Cream cheese keeps these cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Bright Lemon Flavor – Fresh lemon juice and zest deliver a burst of zesty goodness.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make these cookies a breeze.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them at tea parties, picnics, or as a sweet snack.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can be chilled or frozen for future baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest

Tools You’ll Need:

• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Zester or microplane

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
• Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

• Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the cookie texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

• Scoop dough using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Lightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon to create an even surface.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked.
• The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
• Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and let it set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cookies

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon adds vibrant flavor that bottled juice can’t match.
• Chill the Dough: This step is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven.
• Cream Cheese Tips: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Afternoon Tea: Serve with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
• Dessert Platter: Include these cookies in a dessert spread with other lemon-flavored treats.
• Gift Box: Package these soft lemon cookies in a decorative box for a lovely homemade gift.
• Holiday Spread: Add a touch of yellow sprinkles or edible gold dust for a festive look.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing:

• Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   • Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   • Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   • Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese can work, but the texture may vary slightly.
4. How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
   • Start with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and add more as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Soft Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. The combination of zesty lemon and creamy, tangy cream cheese creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet, citrusy snack, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Share your creations on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured. Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 110mg

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