Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies That Everyone Will Love

Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: November 22, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
The delightful balance of sweet and tangy lemon flavors is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them
Their charming appearance adds a touch of sunshine to any dessert table
Versatile enough for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual snacks, you can’t go wrong with these treats

Everyone in my family could not get enough of these cookies; even my dog sat by my feet hoping for crumbs.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for cookie-making; use fresh flour for the best texture.
Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise perfectly without being too cake-like.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors beautifully—don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for creamy mixing and maximum flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and tenderness—absolutely essential here.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for depth.
Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest elevates the lemon flavor—use it generously!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings brightness; bottled juice just won’t do it justice.
Eggs: One large egg binds everything together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavors nicely.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly golden brown.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps prevent clumping and ensures an even texture throughout.

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. This mixture should look light and airy—think clouds but tastier!

Add Sugar and Eggs: Next, mix in granulated sugar until it’s fully incorporated. Add in the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is blended smoothly.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Zest: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while folding gently. Don’t overmix! Then stir in lemon zest for that zesty kick that makes these cookies shine.

Scoop onto Baking Sheet: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Give them space to spread out as they bake into deliciousness.

**Bake Until Perfect**: Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden while centers remain soft. Your kitchen should smell heavenly right about now!

Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. holiday sugar cookies Enjoy these delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies warm or at room temperature!

Now you’re all set to impress friends and family with this zesty delight! Happy baking!

You Must Know

These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful fusion of tangy and sweet
With a soft, chewy texture and zesty flavor, they’ll be a hit at any gathering
Perfect for tea time or as an after-school treat, they’ll brighten anyone’s day

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you mix the dough. This saves time and ensures consistent baking results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in lemon zest for extra zing or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish.

Storing & Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother batter
Don’t overbake; cookies should appear soft and slightly underdone when removed from the oven
Experiment with different citrus flavors like lime or orange for unique variations

Baking these cookies reminds me of sunny days spent with my grandma, who always had lemon desserts waiting for us after school. For more inspiration, check out this No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie recipe.

FAQ

What makes Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies special?

For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.

They blend tangy lemon with creamy cheese for a uniquely delightful treat that melts in your mouth. coconut cream balls.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to maintain freshness.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results without gluten.

0 Shares