Description
These Stuffed Lemon Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, with a creamy surprise filling inside! Made with butter, lemon zest, and a sweet cream cheese center, these cookies are perfect for spring, Easter, or any citrus lover!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for extra chewiness!)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of yellow food coloring (optional, for a fun lemony look!)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for a sweet, crackly finish!)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scoop ½ teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes for easier handling.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a frozen cream cheese dollop in the center.
- Cover with another ½ tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges.
- Roll into a ball and coat with granulated sugar.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a rack.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Serve warm for the best gooey, creamy center!
Serving Suggestions
- With Tea: These pair beautifully with hot tea or coffee.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with vanilla ice cream.
- As a Gift: Package in a tin for a springtime gift or Easter treat!
Notes
- Want a stronger lemon flavor? Add ½ tsp lemon extract.
- Prefer a crunchy edge? Chill the dough for longer (1-2 hours) before baking.
- Try different fillings! Use raspberry jam, Nutella, or white chocolate for a fun twist!
- Make them gluten-free! Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.