I’ve been making cream cheese lemon cookies for years, and they’re still a family favorite. The recipe comes from my grandmother, who got it from her mother, and it’s been passed down through generations. The combination of tangy cream cheese and bright lemon zest is a perfect match for the sweetness of the sugar. These cookies are easy to make and always a hit with my kids and husband.
They’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert, and they freeze beautifully for later use. I love that they’re not too sweet, so you can enjoy them without feeling guilty. Plus, the cream cheese adds a richness that makes them feel like a special treat. My kids love helping me mix the dough, and they’re always excited to see the finished product on the baking sheet.
I’ve made these cookies for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and school events, and they never fail to impress. Whether you’re looking for a fun recipe to try with your kids or a sweet treat to share with friends, these cream cheese lemon cookies are a great choice. They’re also relatively healthy, thanks to the cream cheese’s probiotic benefits and the lemon’s vitamin C content. So go ahead and give them a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
As I write this, I’m thinking about all the memories I’ve made with these cookies over the years. From bake sales to holiday parties, they’ve been a staple in our household for as long as I can remember. And yet, every time we make them, it feels like a special occasion all over again. There’s just something about the combination of flavors that makes them feel like a treat.
Maybe it’s the way the cream cheese melts into the butter and sugar, creating a smooth, velvety texture that’s hard to resist. Or maybe it’s the way the lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that elevates the whole cookie experience. Whatever it is, these cookies have become an integral part of our family’s traditions – and I know yours will love them just as much as we do!
Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies
4.9 from 1463 votes
These Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies are a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheese. They are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
4This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
5The mixture should be light and fluffy.
6Add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter and cream cheese mixture.
7Mix well until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
8This should take about 1-2 minutes.
9Beat in the egg until the mixture is well combined.
10The mixture should be smooth and the egg should be fully incorporated.
11This should take about 1-2 minutes.
12Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture.
13Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough comes together.
14The dough should be smooth and not overly sticky.
15This should take about 2-3 minutes.
16Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
17Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
18The cookies should be evenly spaced and ready for baking.
19Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
20The cookies should be slightly puffed and set in the center.
21Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
22This ensures they do not break apart when moved.
23While the cookies are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze.
24In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
25The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
26Add more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed to reach the desired consistency.
27Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie.
28Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
29The glaze should be evenly distributed and set before serving.
Tips: For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
Watch Video Of How Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies Works
These cream cheese lemon cookies are always a good idea – whether you’re looking for a quick snack or dessert solution or want to impress your friends at your next gathering.
They freeze beautifully so you can whip up a batch anytime you need one (or two!)
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is: you can serve them warm from the oven as an after-dinner treat or let them cool completely before packaging them up for school lunches or snacks on-the-go.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Lemon Cookies
What is cream cheese?
Cream cheese is a type of soft cheese made from milk fat and whey, which is then cultured with lactic acid bacteria to give it its characteristic tangy flavor.
Can I substitute lemon zest with lemon juice?
While you can use lemon juice in place of lemon zest in this recipe, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile significantly.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in this recipe.
Why do these cookies have such a short baking time?
These cookies are best when baked until lightly golden brown around the edges but still slightly tender in the center.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe does not contain any animal-derived ingredients other than cream cheese.
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