Lemon Cheesecake Cookies (Ready-to-Print Version)

Tender lemon cookies with a creamy cheesecake center, ideal for spring gatherings and festive treats.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
03 - 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
04 - ½ tsp lemon zest
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Cookie Dough

06 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
10 - 1½ tsp lemon zest
11 - 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
12 - 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
13 - ½ tsp baking soda
14 - ¼ tsp baking powder
15 - ¼ tsp salt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt in a small bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Dollop teaspoon-sized mounds onto parchment-lined tray and freeze 30-60 minutes until firm.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to butter mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping bowl sides as needed.
04 - Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Shape heaping tablespoon of dough into a disk. Place frozen filling in center, wrap dough over it, sealing edges. Roll into a ball and space 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
06 - Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look set. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Freeze filling mounds thoroughly before assembling to prevent leakage during baking.
02 - Chill dough if sticky for 10-15 minutes to facilitate wrapping the filling.
03 - Remove cookies from oven when edges are golden but centers seem slightly underbaked; they will firm upon cooling.
04 - For consistent sizing, use scoops: medium for dough, small for filling.
05 - Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar or lemon zest for added visual appeal.

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