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Melt in Your Mouth Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

These refreshing lemon cookies have a bright citrus flavor and amazing texture thanks to a secret ingredient: cream cheese!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookies, cream cheese, Lemon
Servings: 9

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • The zest of one lemon about 4 teaspoons

For the glaze:

  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • tablespoons milk
  • 1-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¾-1 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese until light, about 1 minute.
  • Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, then stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Using a large cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes or just until the tops are set and edges are beginning to turn golden brown. I prefer these cookies to be on the gooey in the middle!
  • Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
  • To make the glaze, combine the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, nilk, and any remaining lemon zest. Whisk until well blended and there are no lumps. Add lemon juice to taste. (I usually add about 1 1/2 tablespoons). If glaze is too runny, gradually add more confectioners' sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Place cooling rack over a sheet of parchment paper or another baking tray, to catch any drips, and drizzle each cookie with glaze. I personally like to cover the entire top.

Video

Notes

If using a small cookie scoop, bake for 8-12 minutes.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month.