Lemon Cheesecake Cookies (Printer-Friendly Version)

Soft cookies with fresh lemon zest and a smooth creamy cheesecake center for a bright, tangy treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
03 - 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
04 - ½ tsp lemon zest
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Cookie Dough

06 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
10 - 1½ tsp lemon zest
11 - 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
12 - 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
13 - ½ tsp baking soda
14 - ¼ tsp baking powder
15 - ¼ tsp salt

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and creamy. Use a teaspoon to portion 12–15 mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
02 - In a large bowl or mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, to aerate the dough.
03 - Incorporate the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined and scraping the bowl sides as needed.
04 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
05 - Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a frozen filling dollop in the center, then wrap and seal the dough around it. Roll gently into a ball and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
06 - Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Freeze the filling thoroughly before assembly to prevent leakage during baking.
02 - Chill dough if too sticky for easier handling.
03 - Use cookie scoops for uniform sizes and consistent baking results.
04 - Remove cookies from oven when edges turn golden; centers will firm as they cool.
05 - For presentation, dust with powdered sugar or additional lemon zest prior to serving.

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