Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Creamy Centers
Delightful Lemon Cheesecake Cookies featuring a tender cookie shell with a creamy, tangy center, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Creamy Filling
- ¾ cup ¾ cup (170 g) block-style cream cheese, cold provides a rich, creamy texture
- 3 tablespoons 3 Tablespoons (38 g) granulated white sugar sweetens the filling
- ½ tablespoon ½ Tablespoon (4 g) lemon zest adds refreshing citrus flavor
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons 2 cups (265 g) + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour gives structure to the cookies
- ¾ teaspoon ¾ teaspoon (3 g) baking soda helps cookies rise
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt balances sweetness
- 1 cup 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar sweetens the dough
- 2 tablespoons 2 Tablespoons (12 g) freshly grated lemon zest enhances the lemon flavor
- ½ cup ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled contributes to moisture and flavor
- 1 large 1 large egg, room temperature binds the ingredients
- 1 large 1 large egg yolk, room temperature adds richness
- 2 tablespoons 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice introduces acidity for flavor balance
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon (3 ml) vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling cookies in creates a sweet crust
Instructions
Preparation of Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the cold cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and ½ tablespoon of lemon zest. Blend until smooth.
Preparation of Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour, baking soda, and salt together.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest. Pour in the melted butter and mix well.
- Add the large egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
Combining Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Preparing to Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shaping Cookies
- Take a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it, and place a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center. Enclose the filling and roll into a ball.
- Roll each ball in additional sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until just set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness. Adjust sugar coating to taste.