Name: Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: ½ C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened (Use room temperature for easier mixing.); ½ C cream cheese, softened (Ensure it's at room temperature.); 2 C granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (Add eggs one at a time.); 1 large lemon, zested (Zest adds vibrant flavor.); ⅓ C fresh squeezed lemon juice (For optimal results, use fresh juice.); 1 tsp kosher salt; 4 C flour (All-purpose flour works best.); 4 tsp cornstarch (Helps with texture.); 1 tsp baking soda; 1 C powdered sugar (For rolling the cookies.)

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Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies bring a burst of bright citrus flavor to the classic cookie rotation. These irresistible treats have a delightful soft texture complemented by a light, tangy sweetness that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a spring gathering or simply enjoy a comforting dessert after dinner, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and a little sunshine to your day.

Reasons to Try It

Why should this recipe be on your baking list? For starters, these Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies are incredibly quick to whip up, taking less than an hour from start to finish. With their creamy texture and zesty lemon flavor, they make a unique addition to your cookie repertoire that’s also inherently kid-approved. Plus, they keep beautifully, making them a great option for weekend baking to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family.

“These cookies have the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors! Everyone at our holiday party couldn’t stop raving about them!” – A Happy Baker

Preparing Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookie Recipe

Ready to dive into the world of these delightful cookies? You’ll appreciate the simple yet effective steps that come together to create a cookie that’s both beautiful and mouthwatering. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Prep your kitchen: Set your oven to 350°F and get two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: Combine your flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Cream the fats and sugars: Using a stand mixer, blend your butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate the eggs and lemon: Add eggs one by one, then mix in your lemon zest and juice, blending well.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually incorporate the dry mixture until you achieve a soft dough.
Shape and coat the cookies: Scoop, roll in powdered sugar, and space them on your baking sheets for a perfect bake.
Bake and cool: Bake until lightly golden at the edges and cool before enjoying.

What You’ll Need

Gather these key ingredients for your baking adventure:

½ C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
½ C cream cheese, softened
2 C sugar
2 large eggs
1 large lemon, zested
⅓ C fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
4 C flour
4 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1 C powdered sugar

Feel free to experiment by substituting half of the butter with alternative fats, like coconut oil, for a delicious twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Delicious cream cheese lemon crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar

Prep your baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until everything is well blended.
Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until you achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated after each addition.
Incorporate lemon zest and juice: Mix in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, blending until evenly distributed.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until you form a soft dough with no dry pockets.
Coat the cookies: Place 1 cup of powdered sugar into a medium-sized bowl. Scoop small portions of dough with a spoon or cookie scoop, rolling each in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Arrange on baking sheets: Space the sugar-coated dough balls evenly on your prepared cookie sheets for spreading.
Bake: Bake one sheet at a time for 11-13 minutes until the cookie edges are lightly golden.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve and savor your zesty, creamy creation!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These cookies shine on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience in a few fun ways. Pair them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a sunny afternoon snack. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. For a touch of elegance, dust with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To maintain the delightful softness and flavor of your Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them well and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up — incredible!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier creaming.
Don’t overmix: When incorporating the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or even a handful of white chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Creative Twists

Feel free to switch things up by adding your own spin. Consider incorporating blueberries, cranberries, or even a dash of almond extract for a nutty flavor. For a festive touch, drizzle white chocolate icing on top after they cool, or sprinkle some zest from another citrus, like lime or orange, for additional flair.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
The prep time is around 15 minutes, and the cookies take about 11-13 minutes to bake.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?
Yes! Greek yogurt can add a similar creaminess while making the cookies a tad lighter. Just ensure you adjust for moisture levels.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Always let them cool completely before wrapping.

With this delicious Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookie recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a sweet treat that will delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking!