Description
Bright, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, these Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The subtle tang from the cream cheese pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty lemon, making these cookies light, refreshing, and impossible to resist.
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Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a rich base.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- 1 large egg: To bind the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: For a bright, tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Enhances the citrusy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances the flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For a slight lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For rolling or dusting.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. If desired, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar for a lightly sweet coating.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake!
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Add white chocolate chips or poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American