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Lemon cheesecake cookies with creamy centers on a plate

Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Creamy Centers

Delightful Lemon Cheesecake Cookies featuring a tender cookie shell with a creamy, tangy center, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 150 kcal

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.
Keyword Baking, Cheesecake Cookies, Dessert Cookies, Easy Recipes, Lemon Cookies