Irresistibly Soft Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
These irresistibly soft lemon cream cheese cookies combine the tangy freshness of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly balanced in flavor and delightfully soft in texture, they make a refreshing dessert or snack anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 47-50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Lemon: Mix in the granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue beating for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon extract and vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and half a cup of powdered sugar until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until all ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough and roll each into a ball. Generously coat each dough ball in the remaining powdered sugar to create a sweet outer crust.
- Bake the Cookies: Place coated dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers appear slightly soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier.
- Do not overbake; cookies should look slightly soft in the center for a tender texture.
- Powdered sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and texture contrast.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding a light lemon glaze after baking.
Keywords: lemon cream cheese cookies, soft cookies, lemon cookies, creamy cookies, powdered sugar cookies, tangy lemon dessert
