Description

Soft, chewy, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies combine the richness of cream cheese with the tang of fresh lemon. Rolled in powdered sugar, they bake into beautifully crinkled, tender cookies—perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tbsp lemon zest

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Cream the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are crinkled.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances the crinkle effect.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

For a citrus twist, add orange or lime zest.

White chocolate chips can be added for extra sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 145
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg