Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, tangy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made with cream cheese for a tender crumb and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, these cookies are bright, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for spring, summer, or any time you’re craving a light and zesty treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The cream cheese keeps them soft and pillowy, while the fresh lemon zest and juice infuse every bite with sunshine-bright flavor. The simple lemon glaze adds an extra pop of sweetness and shine, making these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious. Easy to make, bake, and share—these are crowd-pleasers for any occasion.

ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add granulated sugar and beat until light and creamy.
5. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cookies should remain soft and pale.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
11. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and top with extra lemon zest if desired. Let glaze set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add poppy seeds: Stir in a teaspoon of poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy twist.
• Make them sandwich-style: Fill with lemon curd or extra cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
• Use orange or lime: Swap out lemon for orange or lime zest and juice for a citrusy variation.
• Add a crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a bit of texture.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To freeze, place baked and cooled cookies (without glaze) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

No reheating is required. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. Also, chill the dough if it seems too soft.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Baked cookies can also be stored or frozen.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Not necessarily, but chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help control spreading and intensify the flavor.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture, but you can use low-fat if needed. Avoid fat-free cream cheese.

How do I keep the glaze from running off?

Let the cookies cool completely before glazing, and allow the glaze to thicken slightly before drizzling.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just be sure to bake in batches or use multiple trays.

What’s the texture of these cookies?

They’re soft, cakey, and slightly chewy with a rich, tender bite thanks to the cream cheese.

Can I use a lemon extract instead?

Yes, lemon extract can boost the lemon flavor. Use ½ teaspoon in addition to the zest and juice.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! They look beautiful with the glaze and zest topping, and they travel well in cookie boxes.

Conclusion

Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, citrusy, and packed with fresh flavor that makes them perfect for spring gatherings, bake sales, or afternoon tea. With their creamy texture and sweet lemon glaze, they’re a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again.

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