Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why these Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream will quickly become your favorite dessert. First, they are incredibly easy to make, combining simple ingredients to create an impressive, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The cookies themselves are soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a zesty lemon flavor. The lemon cream filling adds an extra layer of richness that ties everything together, making each bite a refreshing, tangy delight. Perfect for lemon lovers, these cookies are not only visually stunning but also wonderfully light and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the lemon cream filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

7. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form discs.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.

9. While the cookies are cooling, make the lemon cream filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

10. Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of lemon cream on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

11. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12-16 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10-12 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Different citrus flavor: Swap out lemon for orange, lime, or even grapefruit for a unique twist on this cookie.

• Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pistachios to the dough for added texture and flavor.

• Lemon glaze: If you prefer a lighter filling, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cookies instead of using the cream filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. The cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: These cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you'd like to enjoy them slightly warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd for the filling?

You can certainly use store-bought lemon curd, but the cream cheese filling is much richer and gives a perfect balance to the tanginess of the lemon.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble the cookies with the cream filling just before serving.

3. How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?

To enhance the lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add a little extra lemon juice to the dough or filling.

4. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

5. Can I make the cream filling without cream cheese?

For a lighter filling, you can substitute the cream cheese with whipped cream or a mascarpone cheese blend. However, the texture and taste will differ.

6. What other fillings can I use for these cookies?

You can swap the lemon cream for other fillings such as buttercream, mascarpone, or a flavored whipped cream, depending on your taste preferences.

7. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

These cookies are soft, with a tender crumb. The lemon cream filling adds to their softness and creaminess.

8. Can I add food coloring to the filling?

Yes, if you want a pop of color, feel free to add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the lemon cream filling.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be substituted for butter, the flavor and texture may differ slightly, as butter gives the cookies their rich, buttery taste.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they start to brown too much, they are overbaked.

Conclusion

Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream are a delightful treat that brings together the bright, tangy taste of lemon with a rich, creamy filling. Whether you’re preparing them for a special event or simply satisfying a craving, these cookies are sure to please. With their soft texture, zesty flavor, and delightful sweetness, they’re a perfect addition to any dessert table. Enjoy these treats fresh or store them for later – either way, they’ll be a hit!

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