Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy—Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect fusion of two dessert favorites. Imagine the tang of fresh lemon zest, the buttery softness of sugar cookies, and a luscious cheesecake center that melts in your mouth. With their sugar-dusted tops and golden edges, these cookies offer a sunny treat in every bite.

Perfect for springtime gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a soft, citrusy dessert, these cookies strike the ideal balance between sweet and tart. They’re impressive enough to wow guests, yet easy enough for casual baking. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re a standout among lemon desserts.

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Ingredients for this Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

• For the Cookie Dough:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cover the mixture and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to stuff the cookies later on.

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Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add in the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

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Step 3: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling to the center, then top with another flattened piece of dough. Carefully seal the edges and roll the cookie gently into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

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Step 4: Roll in Sugar and Bake

Roll each cookie ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.

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Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

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Estimated Nutrition

Each Lemon Cheesecake Cookie (based on a batch of 20) approximately contains:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sodium: 90mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients and sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of lemon works best for this recipe?

Fresh lemons are ideal. Use both the juice and zest to get the best citrusy flavor.

Can I use store-bought lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for taste, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch—just expect a slightly less vibrant flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough 1–2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

Can I skip the cheesecake filling?

You can, but the filling is what gives these cookies their signature richness. Without it, they’re still tasty lemon sugar cookies.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could be due to warm dough or over-creamed butter. Chill your dough before baking if this happens.

How do I zest a lemon properly?

Use a microplane or fine grater, and only grate the yellow skin—not the white pith underneath, which is bitter.

Can I add poppy seeds to this recipe?

Yes! Adding 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds gives a lemon-poppy twist that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake center.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! They’re eye-catching, unique, and stay soft for days—just keep them chilled until gifting.

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