Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies offer a delightful blend of tangy lemon flavor and rich cream cheese in a soft, tender cookie. Perfect for lemon lovers and those craving a slightly tart treat, they are ideal for casual snacking or special occasions with a fresh, citrusy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease 2 baking dishes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar, milk, and lemon extract; mix well.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour and cornmeal; blend until combined.
- Fold in dark raisins.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking dishes.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have lemon extract, you can substitute with fresh lemon juice, but reduce the quantity slightly. For added flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest or swapping dark raisins with dried cranberries for a different taste. These cookies can also be made with half all-purpose flour and half almond flour for a nutty twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings. For a complete dessert spread, serve alongside an Easy Cream Pie or Zucchini Cake for a refreshing twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies contains roughly 131 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. You can also use gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free version.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative or a mixture of silken tofu and a little lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor. This will ensure your cookies remain moist and flavorful.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and slightly puffed in the center. They might look a bit soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).