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Close-up of soft Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with a creamy center and lemon zest garnish

Lemon Cheesecake Cookies


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  • Author: Maya
  • Total Time: 32 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Each bite reveals a creamy cheesecake center, offering the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Ideal for spring gatherings, tea time, or a simple homemade treat, they’re easy to make and irresistible to share!


Ingredients

Scale

4 oz cream cheese, softened – for the creamy filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened – tender cookie texture

½ cup granulated sugar – sweetness and structure

¼ cup brown sugar – adds moisture and caramel notes

1 large egg – binds the dough

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – bright citrus flavor

1 tbsp lemon zest – enhances lemon aroma

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – cookie base

½ tsp baking powder – gentle lift

¼ tsp salt – balances sweetness

1 tsp vanilla extract – depth of flavor

Powdered sugar – for dusting (optional)


Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth; chill.

2. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.

3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.

4. Flatten 1 tbsp dough, add cheesecake filling, wrap and roll into balls.

5. Chill dough balls 30 minutes.

6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

7. Cool on wire rack and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

– Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.

– Chill dough balls to prevent spreading.

– Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 5 days.

– Freeze unbaked dough balls up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg