Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are a bright and irresistible treat! The cream cheese makes them extra tender and moist, while the lemon zest and juice give them a bold, refreshing taste. Perfect for spring, summer, or any time you want a cookie that’s sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Tender – Thanks to the addition of cream cheese.
Bursting with Lemon Flavor – Fresh zest and juice for a bold citrus kick.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no chilling required.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Light, bright, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Beautiful & Delicious – Pretty enough for parties, showers, and gifts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Optional Add-ins:

• Extra lemon zest for more zing
• White chocolate chips for a sweeter twist
• A drizzle of lemon glaze after baking

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Zester and juicer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
Place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly crinkled.
The centers should still look soft.

Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Lemon – Fresh juice and zest give the best flavor.
Don’t Overbake – The cookies should be just set to stay soft and tender.
Roll in Plenty of Powdered Sugar – For a pretty, crackly finish.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps everything blend smoothly.
Double the Batch – These cookies disappear fast!

Serving Suggestions
With Tea or Coffee – Perfect for a bright afternoon snack.
On a Dessert Platter – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
As a Gift – Wrap up in a pretty box for a homemade treat.
At Showers or Parties – Light, pretty, and crowd-pleasing.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze the cookie dough balls (before rolling in sugar) or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Thaw and roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—enjoy at room temperature!
For a fresh-baked feel, warm cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
2. Can I add extra lemon zest?
   Definitely! If you love a strong lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon.
3. Why is my dough sticky?
   It’s normal! If it’s too sticky to handle, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
5. How do I get perfect crackly tops?
   Roll generously in powdered sugar and bake at the right temperature without overmixing the dough.

Final Thoughts
These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are sunshine in cookie form—soft, chewy, and bursting with bright, fresh lemon flavor. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a beautiful powdered sugar finish, they’re perfect for any occasion from springtime brunches to afternoon tea parties.

Bake up a batch today and enjoy a sweet, citrusy treat! Don’t forget to share your lemon cookie creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American / Dessert

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – makes about 24):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 80mg

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