Description

Soft and tender lemon cookies filled with a creamy lemon cream cheese center, delivering the perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and sweet richness in every bite.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (for filling)

Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar and lemon zest until creamy. Refrigerate while preparing the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined without overmixing.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and flatten in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
Wrap the dough around the filling, sealing edges completely, and roll into a smooth ball. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers appear set but still soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Chill the filling briefly to make it easier to portion and prevent leaking.

If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping.

Seal the dough completely around the filling to avoid leaks during baking.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Allow cookies to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving for best texture.

Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 165
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg