Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect answer. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for afternoon tea, a casual get-together, or simply a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade cooking and easy recipes. Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions:
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Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer; a stand mixer works wonders, but a hand mixer will do just fine! Make sure both ingredients are truly softened for optimal blending.
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Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The bright citrus flavor will elevate these cookies to another level!
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Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. For even better results, chill for an hour or even overnight.
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Bake the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. This will result in a smoother, more consistent dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and achieving that perfect cookie texture.
- Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Variations:
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of lemony goodness.
- Add-ins: Fold in some chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Their bright, zesty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them irresistible. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with your loved ones! They are a guaranteed hit for quick dinner ideas or as a delicious dessert! They are one of the best recipes for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.