This Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies recipe was originally published in April 2016
and updated as of April 2022.
These Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are moist, chewy and creamy, with the perfect bright lemon flavor, making your insides feel as springy as the tulips popping up outside!
The first little shoots of tulips and crocus are FINALLY making their way up in my yard so I am in complete spring mode. This springtime itch has me painting my nails the brightest pink, shedding my bulky winter sweaters and bringing the flavors of warmer months into my kitchen. This joy over spring’s appearance (Have I said finally yet? FINALLLLY.) has also had me craving some lemon cookies, and I had to share them with you.
You are going to LOVE this recipe. The lemon flavor is the perfect amount tartness and the frosting is so creamy I want to bathe in it. Or just eat a bunch of it with a spoon. Either one.
Make the Lemon Cookie Dough
The dough for these Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies is so simple to make. All you have to do is combine a store-bought meyer lemon cookie mix, butter, an egg, vanilla, and lemon extract in a medium bowl.
Once you’ve mixed the ingredients together, roll the dough into golf ball-sized balls for baking, which only take 8-9 minutes (depending on your oven).
Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
The frosting is my favorite part of this delicious cookie! It adds creaminess and more lemon flavor that takes it to the next level.
Whipped cream cheese is mixed with powdered sugar, following by vanilla, lemon extract, additional powdered sugar to taste, and sugar sprinkles – making a creamy, tart/sweet, textured topping for the cookies!
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookie Tips
– After you’ve baked your cookies, be sure to allow them to cool completely before frosting them so the frosting doesn’t melt.
– Before you start making the frosting, allow your cream cheese to come to room temperature and soften completely so you don’t get clumps in your frosting.
– Top the frosted cookies with a little bit of lemon zest for the perfect finishing touch.
What are the recipes you love making when spring finally comes around? Share away!
-Liz
Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 Meyer Lemon Cookie Mix (I used Krusteaz)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 c. butter, softened
- 1 tsp. lemon extract
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 c. lemon zest + 2 tbs for topping
For the frosting:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2-2 c. powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. lemon extract
- 1/4 cup yellow sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cookie mix, butter, egg, vanilla, and lemon extract in a medium bowl. Stir until dough forms. Roll into balls and place on greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- While cookies are cooling whip the cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, and combine with mixer.
- Add vanilla, lemon extract, any extra powdered sugar to taste, and sugar sprinkles.
- Fill ziploc or pastry bag with icing and pipe on cookies. Top with remaining lemon zest.
