Recipe Ideas

Lemon Cream Cookies

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a little secret that’s been passed down in my family for generations. Forget your average Chocolate Chip Cookies for a minute – we’re diving into a world of bright, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with these Lemon Cream Cookies. They’re like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, bursting with that fresh lemon flavor and an unbelievably creamy texture. Think of them as a cross between a lemon bar and a sugar cookie, but somehow…even better. Seriously, these are addictive, and I’m not even a huge cookie person usually!

Lemon Cream Cookies final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is lemon cream cookie?

Alright, let’s break it down. Lemon Cream Cookies are essentially a super soft, almost cake-like cookie infused with a delightful lemon flavor. The “cream” part comes from a secret ingredient (okay, it’s Cream Cheese!) that makes the texture incredibly tender and adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the lemon. It’s not your typical crunchy cookie; instead, it’s more of a delicate, almost ethereal experience. We’re talking cookies that practically dissolve in your mouth, leaving behind a refreshing burst of citrus. This recipe makes cookies that are soft in the centre and slightly crispy at the edges. They are so delicious and light!

Why you will love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor! The balance between the sweet cookie and the tart lemon is just perfect. It’s bright, refreshing, and not overwhelmingly sweet, which is a huge win in my book. Second, the simplicity. Don’t let the fancy name fool you; these Lemon Cream Cookies are surprisingly easy to make. They require simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s become my go-to when I need a quick and impressive dessert. What I love most about this is the look on people’s faces when they take their first bite – pure bliss. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t absolutely love them. You can make them gluten-free really easily too.
I also love that they’re a bit more unique than your average cookie. While everyone else is bringing chocolate chip or Peanut Butter Cookies to the party, you’ll be showing up with a batch of these lemony delights, guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive to make, which is always a bonus!

How do you make lemon cream cookies?

Quick Overview

Making these Lemon Cream Cookies is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by creaming together butter, cream cheese, and sugar, then adding in the lemon zest and juice for that signature tangy flavor. The dry ingredients get mixed separately and then gently combined with the wet ingredients. After a quick chill in the fridge, you’ll roll the dough into balls, bake them until golden, and then drizzle them with a simple lemon glaze. The whole process takes less than an hour, and the results are absolutely worth it. I promise, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this recipe!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (I always use high-quality butter for the best flavor!)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (Full-fat cream is the way to go here. Trust me.)
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (Adds the perfect amount of sweetness)
* 1 large egg (Room temperature eggs incorporate better!
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure Vanilla Extract is essential)
* 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract (This gives it that extra zing, but you can omit if you prefer a more tangy flavor). What is the flavor of lemon?
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest (Zest the lemon before juicing it. Makes life easier!)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Freshly squeezed, always!) * 1 tablespoon lemon zest (
* 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (Spoon and level for accurate measuring)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder (Helps the cookies rise)
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Gives them that perfect soft texture)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness)

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar (Sift it for a smoother glaze)
* 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice (Add more or less to reach your desired consistency)

Lemon Cream Cookies ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps that

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean cookies? Why don’t you use parchment paper? It’s a lifesaver! I’ve tried silicone baking mats before, but I still prefer parchment for these cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the importance of whisking to ensure that everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent baking. This step is important because it will aerate your baking powder and soda evenly into the mix. How do I get consistency right?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract and mix until well combined. What is the best way to stir together lemon zest and lemon juice? Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened. What should I do if I end up with lumpy batter?

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If you overmix gluten in a flour, you will end up with hard cookies. You want them to be tender and soft, so mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be fairly thick and that’s okay.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Don’t skip it! I usually chill mine for an hour, just to be safe.

Step 6: Roll & Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them. What is the difference between two cookies? Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I usually start checking my emails at the 10-minute mark. The colour should be a light golden brown at the edges.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. How do you glaze a cookie? If you want a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice. For thinner glazes, add more.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

What are the best foods to eat fresh? What are some good ways to serve them as gifts? What are some good desserts after dinner?

What do you serve it with?

Lemon Cream Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways!For Breakfast:What are some great morning teas to serve with coffee? I love a good morning latte. It’s the perfect way to start the day. I like to serve them on a plate with fresh berries.
For Brunch: Serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas. They add a touch of elegance to any brunch gathering.
As Dessert:What are some good desserts to serve after dinner? What’s a good dessert to serve with vanilla Ice Cream? So light, they don’t weigh you down after a meal.
For Cozy Snacks:Can you curl up on the couch with a plate of these cookies and read? What are some of the best comfort foods? I love to have them on hand for a cozy movie night with the family. What are some of the best lunchbox treats?

How do you make lemon cream cookies?

What are some tips to make lemon cream? What are cookies?
Butter & Cream Cheese: What is the difference between Make sure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before creaming them together. This ensures a smooth and creamy batter. If they’re too cold, you’ll end up with lumps.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Don’t skip this step!
Lemon Zest: Use a microplane zester to get the finest lemon zest. This will maximize the lemon flavor without adding any bitterness.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less juice. For a thinner glaze, add more.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed.
Add Lemon Extract: Adding lemon extract is optional but I find it really does enhance the lemon flavour and give a nice boost.
Powdered Sugar Trick: Sift your powdered sugar to eliminate any lumps before glazing, especially if your cookies are not perfectly smooth on top, as this helps hide any flaws!
Glaze Before Serving: Always glaze your cookies right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy in storage. Plus, freshly glazed cookies look so pretty!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Lemon Cream Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later.
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They might lose a bit of their softness, but they’ll still taste delicious. I usually layer them in a container with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. For the best results, don’t glaze before freezing.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, wait until after they’ve thawed to glaze them. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking. I recommend using a 1:1 replacement. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions, as some may require additional binding agents like xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Do I need to peel the lemon?
No, you don’t need to peel the lemon. You only need the zest, which is the outer layer of the peel. Just be careful not to zest too deep, as the white pith underneath can be bitter. A microplane zester is your best friend for this task!
Can I make this as muffins instead?
While this recipe is specifically for cookies, you could try adapting it for muffins. You’ll need to adjust the baking time and temperature. I’d recommend baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar by about 1/4 cup. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will affect the texture and flavor. For the glaze, you can adjust the ratio of powdered sugar to lemon juice to control the sweetness.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. You can also melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies, or even use a simple buttercream frosting. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cream Cookies slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

These Lemon Cream Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a little piece of sunshine that I love sharing with the people I care about. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a hit. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in, I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes! I have a feeling you’ll love my Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies and my Peanut Butter Blossoms. Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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