Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

These Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are everything you could ask for in a cookie: soft, rich, bursting with fresh lemon flavor, and finished with a delicate glaze that melts in your mouth. The cream cheese adds a luscious, tender texture that perfectly complements the brightness of lemon in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with tangy citrus flavor. The addition of cream cheese in the dough ensures a tender crumb and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The simple lemon glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a boost of flavor without overpowering the cookie. They’re ideal for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a bright and refreshing dessert.

ingredients

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

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

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Do not overbake.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

• Add white chocolate chips for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
• Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different citrus profile.
• Add a few drops of lemon extract to intensify the lemon flavor.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of glazing for a more subtle finish.
• Add poppy seeds to the dough for a fun texture and classic lemon-poppy combo.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
If frozen, thaw at room temperature before serving.
These cookies don’t require reheating, but you can microwave them for 5–10 seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

FAQs

How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?

Using cream cheese in the dough helps keep the cookies tender. Also, avoid overbaking – take them out when the edges are just golden.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

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

Do I have to chill the dough?

No, this recipe doesn’t require chilling, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Avoid whipped or tub-style cream cheese.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are not overly soft or melted. If needed, chill the dough slightly before baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of lemony goodness.

How do I zest a lemon properly?

Use a microplane or fine grater, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the yellow zest.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

The cookies strike a nice balance between tart lemon and sweet glaze. You can adjust the glaze sweetness to your preference.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for best results.

Conclusion

Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any lemon lover. With their soft, creamy centers and zesty glaze, they offer a delightful flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something citrusy and comforting, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.

Print