Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Then look no further! These lemon cream cheese cookies are the perfect answer. Imagine the tangy zest of fresh lemons mingling with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a sophisticated tea party. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner bakers can master, resulting in unbelievably delicious homemade cookies. Ready to bake some sunshine? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Optional: Sugar for rolling (coarse or sanding sugar adds a delightful crunch)
Instructions:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. This is key to achieving that perfect texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll the balls in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool & 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 cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and achieving that perfect cookie texture.
- Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will provide the brightest and most flavorful cookies.
Variations:
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of lemon flavor.
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Different Sugars: Experiment with different types of sugar, like brown sugar or coconut sugar, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 5-7g Cholesterol: 20-30mg Sodium: 50-70mg Carbohydrates: 20-25g Sugar: 10-15g Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make lemon cream cheese cookies – a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas! They are also a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. These truly are some of the best recipes around!