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Lemon Cream Cookies

Okay, friends, let me tell you about these Lemon Cream Cookies. They’re seriously my new obsession, and I’m pretty sure they will be yours too. Imagine the softest, most melt-in-your-mouth Sugar Cookie, but infused with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon. Then, picture it topped with a creamy, dreamy lemon glaze that just makes you want to sigh with happiness. If you love lemon bars, you absolutely HAVE to try these cookies – they’re like lemon bars in adorable, perfectly portioned cookie form! My grandma used to make amazing lemon bars every summer, and these cookies give me all those warm, happy memories with every bite.

Lemon Cream Cookies final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is lemon cream cookie?

Lemon Cream Cookies are essentially sunshine in cookie form. Think of them as a leveled-up Sugar Cookie, bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a simple yet utterly divine cream cheese-based glaze. They start with a soft, buttery dough, zested and juiced to maximum lemon-y goodness. The glaze, oh, the glaze! It’s a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more lemon juice, creating this smooth, tangy blanket of deliciousness that perfectly complements the cookie’s soft texture. Seriously, if you’re having a rough day, these cookies are like a little dose of instant happiness. I call them “Lemon Cream Cookies” because the glaze uses cream cheese to provide tangy creaminess, taking the lemon flavor to another dimension.

What are some of the best recipes for a vegetarian meal?

What are some of the best lemon cream cookies?

  • The Flavor is Incredible: Is it real?What is the best combination of lemon and cream cheese? The cookie itself is light and buttery, and the glaze adds this perfect creamy, sweet counterpoint. What makes your taste buds sing? What I love most about this is that it’s not just sweet. Is it bright, refreshing, and addictive?
  • Is it SurprisinglyDon’t be intimidated by the “cream” element! What are some of the easiest recipes to make? I’ve tried a few complicated recipes before, and I always come back to this because it’s just so good. Is it easy to get a
  • Is it budget friendlyNo fancy ingredients here! Just butter, sugar, flour, lemon (of course! ), and a few other staples. Is it possible to whip these up without breaking the bank?
  • It’s Incredibly VersaWhat are some good cookies for a rainy day? How do you impress your friends at a potluck? What are some of the best lemon cream cookies?

If you like Sugar Cookies but want something with a little extra zest, these are the ones for you. They remind me of my mom’s snickerdoodles, but with a bright, fresh kick. This stands out because it makes me feel special, it’s so easy and reliably delicious. Is it true that once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

How do you make lemon cream cookies?

Quick Overview

Making these Lemon Cream Cookies is easier than you think! You’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding in the lemon zest and juice for that signature tangy flavor. Then, mix in the dry ingredients until everything comes together. Bake them until they’re just barely golden, and then let them cool before topping them with the luscious Cream Cheese glaze. I promise, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down before you devour them all!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s actually soft, not melted!
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. You can use caster sugar if you want an even finer texture.
  • 2 large eggs. Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
  • What are some good ways to make fresh lemon juice?
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest. Zest before you juice!
  • What is the best vanilla extract?
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level the flour to avoid using too much.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder. Make sure it’s fresh!
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness.

For the Glaze:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. Again, Soft, not melted!
  • 3 cups powdered sugar. Sift it to avoid lumps.
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. You might need a little more or less to reach your desired consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!).

Lemon Cream Cookies ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I always do this, it’s a lifesaver! Set the prepared baking sheet aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to make baking powder light and fluffy? Don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand – just be prepared for a little arm. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Serve warm or cold.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies – this can result in tough cookies. I always stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour and then finish mixing by hand.

Step 5: Drop onto Baking Sheet

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. I use a cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry. I always check them at 10 minutes and then add a minute or two if needed.

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 the cookies are completely cool, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the Cream Cheese and powdered sugar. Set aside. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 8: Drizzle glaze over the cooled cookies

How do you spread the glaze over cookies? I like to use a spoon to drizzle the glaze, but you can also use an piping bag for more precise results. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. What are the best cookies to bake fresh?

What should I serve it with?

These Lemon Cream Cookies are amazing on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

  • For Breakfast: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea. They’re the perfect way to start your day on a bright note.
  • For Brunch: Serve them on a platter with other pastries and fruits for an elegant brunch spread. A Mimosa or Bellini would be perfect alongside.
  • As Dessert: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
  • For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening.

My family loves these cookies with a scoop of strawberry Ice Cream, because the tartness of the lemon compliments the sweetness of the strawberry. These cookies are also great with a little cup of lemon curd! Honestly, there is no wrong way to enjoy these!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Cream Cookies

Want to make sure your Lemon Cream Cookies are absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

  • Use Room Temperature Butter and Cream Cheese: This is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy batter and glaze. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, and if the cream cheese is too cold, it will be lumpy. I always take them out of the fridge at least an hour before I start baking.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and then stop. If you see a few streaks of flour, that’s okay.
  • Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake them until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to bake a little bit as they cool.
  • Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or glaze. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a little more sugar.
  • Add a Pinch of Salt to the Glaze: A pinch of salt will enhance the sweetness and balance out the flavors.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other flavors to the batter or glaze. A little bit of almond extract or lavender extract would be delicious!

I learned these tricks after years of trying different Lemon Cookies, and this one is now my go to! Trust me, it is worth it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Lemon Cream Cookies (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before serving.

These cookies taste best when fresh. For best results, freeze the cookies without the glaze, and then add the glaze after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is definitely recommended for the best flavor. It’s brighter and more vibrant.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to glaze them.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I add sprinkles?
Absolutely! Sprinkles would be a fun and festive addition to these cookies. Add them to the glaze while it’s still wet so they stick.

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 slice of sunshine that you can bake in your own kitchen. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. These are perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, sharing them with friends, or simply treating yourself to a little something special, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Raspberry Crumble Bars, or my Chocolate Chip Cookies! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, rate the recipe if you loved it, and share your own variations!

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