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Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 37 reviews

These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies combine a tangy lemon-infused cheesecake center with a soft, buttery lemon sugar cookie exterior. Perfectly balanced between creamy and zesty, these cookies are a delightful treat for lemon lovers that require a bit of indulgence and freshness baked into one bite.

Ingredients

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Lemon Cheesecake Filling

  • 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
  • 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest

Lemon Sugar

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest

Lemon Cookies

  • 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 tbsp (25 g) lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake Filling: Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cold cream cheese and 3 tbsp granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high speed until mixture becomes fluffy and the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Mix in 1/2 tbsp lemon zest thoroughly.
  2. Freeze Cheesecake Balls: Using a teaspoon, scoop the cheesecake mixture into 16 equal portions and place them on the lined baking sheet. Freeze these cheesecake balls until they are very firm and solid.
  3. Make Lemon Sugar: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 tbsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing the oils and fragrance. Set aside this lemon sugar mixture for later.
  4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this flour mixture aside.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
  6. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the 2 egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed for about one minute until pale and creamy.
  7. Add Lemon Zest: Incorporate 2 1/2 tbsp lemon zest into the wet mixture and combine on medium speed.
  8. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to form the cookie dough.
  9. Chill Dough and Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Chill the prepared dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.
  10. Assemble Cookies: Using a 1 1/2 tbsp cookie scoop, portion the dough into 16 balls. Flatten each ball slightly, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, then wrap and seal the dough tightly around the cheesecake so it is fully enclosed. Roll the cookie ball in the lemon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Keep cheesecake balls frozen until used for each batch.
  11. Bake Cookies: Place up to 6 cookie balls spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
  12. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Keeping the cheesecake filling frozen until assembly prevents it from melting during baking and ensures a creamy center.
  • Chilling the dough before assembly makes it easier to handle and helps maintain the cookie shape.
  • Rolling the cookies in lemon sugar before baking intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a balanced sweetness with a subtle crunch.
  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For a zestier lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon zest to the sugar or dough according to taste preferences.

Keywords: lemon cheesecake cookies, lemon sugar cookies, cream cheese cookies, lemon desserts, soft cookies, spring cookies

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/lemon-cheesecake-cookies-recipe/