Lemon Cheesecake Cookies

Name: Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz (170 g) cold cream cheese; 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar (for cheesecake filling); 1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest (for cheesecake filling); 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for coating); 1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest (for coating); 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup (168 g) softened unsalted butter; 3/4 cup (165 g) packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar (for cookie dough); 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 tbsp (25 g) lemon zest (for cookie dough)

By:

Sarah

Published:

September 22, 2025

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Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake, making them a must-try for any dessert enthusiast. Picture this: you take a bite of a cookie only to discover a luscious cheesecake center, brightened with fresh lemon zest. How amazing does that sound? Whether you’re baking for a casual gathering with friends or a festive celebration, these cookies will definitely bring a smile to anyone’s face. The joy of creating these treats can match the pleasure of savoring them. The process is both fun and rewarding, allowing you to express your culinary creativity while indulging in a timeless favorite. So, let’s get started on making these scrumptious Lemon Cheesecake Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Lemon Cheesecake Cookies combine the tangy brightness of lemon with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, resulting in a cookie that is both refreshing and indulgent. The balance of flavors enhances the cookie’s taste, while the cheesecake filling provides a delightful surprise with every bite. The texture is just right, creating a chewy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy center. When you take that initial bite, the zesty burst of lemon will wake up your taste buds, and the creamy filling will melt in your mouth, making for a delightful dessert experience!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. They capture the essence of summer with their vibrant lemon flavor, making them a go-to treat for lemon lovers. Each batch comes out uniquely shaped yet irresistibly delicious, inviting creativity into your baking routine. The aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cheerful atmosphere that invites everyone to join in the fun. Whether you share these treats or keep them all to yourself, the experience of making them is equally enjoyable.

Ingredients

To make these goodies, gather the following ingredients:

6 oz (170 g) cold cream cheese
3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar (for cheesecake filling)
1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest (for cheesecake filling)
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for coating)
1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest (for coating)
1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168 g) softened unsalted butter
3/4 cup (165 g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar (for cookie dough)
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 tbsp (25 g) lemon zest (for cookie dough)

Making the Lemon Cheesecake Filling

Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture

Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a small bowl, combine the cold cream cheese and 3 tbsp sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until fluffy and the sugar is fully dissolved, which should take about 2 minutes. Once you achieve that perfect fluffy texture, add 1/2 tbsp of lemon zest and mix to combine. The zest will really amplify the lemon flavor in the filling.

Form the Cheesecake Balls

Next, scoop the cheesecake mixture into 16 even portions, about 2 teaspoons each, and place them on a lined cookie sheet. It helps to use a small cookie scoop for uniformity. Once the portions are placed, freeze until firm, roughly 1 hour. This step is crucial to ensuring that the cheesecake filling holds its shape during baking, creating that perfect surprise in every cookie.

Making the Lemon Sugar

Combine Sugar and Zest

While the cheesecake balls are freezing, you can prepare the lemon sugar. Grab a small bowl and mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tbsp lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the essential oils, which will add a burst of flavor. Set this mixture aside for later use, as it will add a sweet, zesty coating to the cookies.

Making the Lemon Cookies

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to prepare the cookie dough. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. It’s important to ensure these dry ingredients are well combined, as they form the base of the cookie.

Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. The mixture should become light in color and airy. Next, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until pale and fluffy, another minute or so. Stir in the 2 1/2 tbsp lemon zest, mixing until combined. This zest gives the dough that extra burst of flavor you’ll love.

Combine and Chill the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending on low speed until just combined. After everything is mixed through, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Chilling the dough helps to prevent spreading during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.

Form the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, scoop the dough into 16 portions using a 1 1/2 tbsp cookie scoop. Flatten each ball slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Then, encase it completely with cookie dough, rolling it into a ball shape. Finally, coat each ball with the lemon sugar mixture you prepared earlier. Each cookie will have a lovely sweet and zesty exterior!

Baking the Cookies

Bake the Cookies

Transfer the cookie dough balls to the prepared baking sheets. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 11-12 minutes. It’s hard to resist the aroma that fills the kitchen at this point! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack helps maintain their texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are best served fresh but can also be enjoyed later with a cup of tea or coffee. They are delightful on their own, yet pairing them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience even further. Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a moment of indulgence, these cookies will make any occasion special.

Tips for Success

Ensure the cream cheese is cold for easier mixing.
Freeze the cheesecake balls well to prevent melting during baking.
Chill the dough to make it easier to handle and to yield chewier cookies.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying a twist to these cookies. For example, you can add white chocolate chunks for sweetness or swap out lemon zest for lime zest for a different citrus zing. Making a gluten-free version is also simple—just use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a convenient treat whenever a sweet craving strikes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze the cheesecake filling in advance. Simply assemble before baking.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.

3. What is the best way to store Lemon Cheesecake Cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

4. Can I use a different flavor besides lemon?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits such as lime or orange for a creative twist.

5. How do I get the cookies to stay soft?
Ensure not to overbake them and always store in an airtight container to retain moisture.

These Lemon Cheesecake Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please any dessert lover. With a chewy exterior and a rich cheesecake center, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Their bright lemony essence can elevate any occasion, making them a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers alike. So gather your ingredients, crank up the oven, and get ready to treat yourself!