Soft Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe for Springtime Delight

Whipping up these delightful soft lemon cream cheese cookies promises a zesty adventure in your kitchen.

Sweet citrus notes dance through delicate, pillowy dough that melts effortlessly.

Tangy cream cheese adds unexpected richness to each tender bite.

Bright lemon zest creates a sunshine-like sparkle that lifts the entire recipe.

Baking these treats fills your home with an irresistible fragrance that draws everyone near.

Simple ingredients come together in magical harmony to produce cookies that feel like pure comfort.

I bet you cannot resist sampling these morsels straight from the cooling rack.

Soft Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

• Perfect for baking when you want a delightful treat that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even kids can help prepare them.
• Bright lemon flavor transforms ordinary cream cheese cookies into a refreshing dessert that brings sunshine to any gathering, from casual afternoons to elegant tea parties.
• Cookies can be prepared in advance, stored at room temperature, and glazed right before serving, making them ideal for busy home bakers who want delicious results without last-minute stress.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create soft texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the cookies.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender cookie structure.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cookies.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and warmth to the cookie taste.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze for topping the cookies.

How to Mix and Bake Soft Lemon Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Zone

Grab parchment paper and line your baking sheets. Crank up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Sugar

• Egg
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks silky smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until a soft dough emerges.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Rounds

Scoop out small dollops of dough onto prepared sheets. Space cookies two inches apart. Use a spoon’s back to gently flatten tops.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set and centers appear slightly underbaked.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Let cookies hang out on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 7: Create Zesty Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or juice.

Step 8: Finish with Glaze

Once cookies are totally cool, drizzle glaze generously. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Tangy, Creamy Cookie Dough

• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Zest fresh lemons directly into the dough and glaze for intense, bright citrus notes that elevate the cookie's taste profile.
• Prevent Dry Cookies: Avoid overmixing the dough and overbaking to maintain a soft, tender texture; remove cookies from the oven when edges are just set.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Adjust the powdered sugar and lemon juice ratio to create a perfect drizzle or thick coating based on your preference.
• Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to preserve their delicate texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives to create a plant-based version of these delightful lemon cookies.

How to Keep These Cookies Light and Fresh

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Freeze glazed cookies in a single layer to maintain their delicate texture.
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm slightly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and revive their fresh-baked taste.
• If glaze becomes dry during storage, gently warm cookies and reapply a thin layer of fresh lemon glaze to refresh their appearance and flavor.

What Pairs Well with Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Brew a refreshing lavender or chamomile tea to complement the lemon's bright flavor and enhance the cookie's delicate sweetness.
• Create a citrusy dessert experience by pairing the cookies with a light, tangy lemon sorbet that echoes the cookie's zesty notes.
• Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the cookie's richness and highlight its lemony essence.
• Arrange a small plate of mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries to add a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet glazed cookies.

Extra Flavor Ideas for Soft Lemon Cookies

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. These alternative flours maintain the soft texture while providing a delicate nutty undertone.
• Dairy-Free Citrus Cookies: Substitute butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and vegan cream cheese alternatives. The recipe keeps its creamy consistency and bright lemon flavor without animal products.
• Reduced Sugar Citrus Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar. This modification cuts down calories while preserving the cookie's tender crumb and zesty profile.
• Keto-Friendly Lemon Cookies: Swap regular flour with almond flour and use erythritol instead of sugar. Add extra lemon zest to boost flavor and create a low-carb friendly dessert that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Soft Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies dance with zesty brightness, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances tangy citrus and rich cream cheese. Creamy, delicate treats bring Mediterranean sunshine to cookie lovers, offering pure bliss in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Cream softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency.
2. Incorporate egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, blending until the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper, creating uniform cookie portions using a tablespoon measure and spacing them approximately two inches apart.
6. Gently flatten each cookie mound using the back of a spoon to create a slightly rounded shape for even baking.
7. Position the baking sheets in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly underbaked appearance on top.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes to stabilize their structure before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
9. Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
10. Adjust glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed for desired texture.
11. Once cookies have completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze across the surface.
12. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes to achieve a delicate, glossy finish before serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the smoothest, most uniform cookie texture.
• Grate fresh lemon zest instead of using dried alternatives to maximize vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic intensity.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender, soft results.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg