Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream

Introduction

There’s something magical about the tangy, zesty flavor of lemon—it’s like sunshine in a bite. And when you pair that fresh, bright taste with the smooth, creamy goodness of lemon cream, you’ve got a treat that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy café on a warm spring day. These Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, soft and creamy, with just the right amount of zing to keep your taste buds dancing.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a baking session with my mom. We were craving something citrusy and refreshing, and after some experimenting, these cookies were born. They quickly became a family favorite, and I’ve made them for every occasion—from spring picnics to cozy weekend get-togethers. They’re the perfect treat to brighten up any day, especially when you need a little pick-me-up (because let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little more lemon in their life?).

The cookies themselves are buttery and soft, with a delicate, lemony flavor that’s not too overpowering. Then comes the lemon cream filling: rich, velvety, and just sweet enough to balance out the tartness. Together, they create a perfect bite—bright, sweet, and refreshing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I promise these cookies will be easy to whip up and will impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a treat for your heart. Here’s why I’m so in love with these Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream:

1. Easy to make: You won’t need any fancy equipment or skills to make these cookies. A bowl, a mixer, and a baking sheet are all you need.
2. Refreshing and bright: If you love citrus, this recipe is a total game-changer. The lemon in both the cookie and cream filling gives you that fresh, zingy flavor that makes every bite feel like a burst of sunshine.
3. Perfectly balanced: The lemon cookies are soft and buttery, while the lemon cream filling is rich and smooth. The combination is just chef’s kiss.
4. Family-friendly: These cookies are great for all ages. My nieces and nephews absolutely love them, and I bet yours will too!
5. Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weekend treat or something special for a holiday or picnic, these cookies are sure to impress. They also make a wonderful gift for friends or family!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: About 1 hour (includes cooling and setting time for the cream).
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on size.
• Calories per serving: 160 calories per cookie (varies depending on size and exact ingredients).

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream:

Lemon Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Lemon Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. The butter and sugar give the cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth base. The lemon zest and lemon juice infuse the cookies with that refreshing citrus flavor. The heavy cream and cream cheese in the filling provide richness and a velvety texture, perfectly complementing the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this helps prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.

4. Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. The lemon zest is what really gives these cookies that fresh, bright flavor, so make sure to zest your lemons right before using them to get all that delicious oil.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.

6. Shape the dough into balls: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place it onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies don’t spread much, so they’ll keep their shape.

7. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. You want the center to be soft and just set.

8. Let the cookies cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Make the lemon cream filling: While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the lemon cream filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Be gentle so the whipped cream doesn’t deflate.

10. Assemble the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of lemon cream on the bottom of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the rest of the cookies.

11. Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed the same day, but you can also store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

These Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream are a treat on their own, but they can also be served alongside a few other goodies:

• Serve with a fresh fruit salad—think berries, kiwi, and a little extra lemon drizzle to keep the citrus theme going.
• Pair with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Serve with a dollop of extra lemon cream on top or a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a little extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream turn out perfect, here are a few tips:

1. Use room temperature butter and cream cheese: This makes them easier to cream together, resulting in a smooth texture.
2. Chill the dough: If you want extra thick cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
3. Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the lemon cream by adding more or less powdered sugar to suit your taste.
4. Don’t skip the zest: The zest gives these cookies a pop of citrus flavor. Make sure to zest the lemon right before using it for maximum freshness.
5. Avoid overmixing the dough: Overmixing the dough can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations to try with these cookies:

• Add poppy seeds: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cookie dough for an extra texture and a fun, classic twist.
• Make a lemon glaze: Instead of the cream filling, you can drizzle the cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a lighter, quicker option.
• Lemon and blueberry: Add a handful of fresh or dried blueberries to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist. The blueberries complement the lemon perfectly!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving ideas to elevate your Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh arugula salad or a light vegetable dish to balance out the sweetness.
• Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with iced tea, lemonade, or a chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon slice.
• For kids: Serve the cookies with a fun, colorful fruit salad for an extra pop of freshness.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftover cookies, here’s how to store and freeze them:

• Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cookies will keep their freshness, and the lemon cream filling stays nice and cool.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies, either before or after assembling them. If freezing the assembled cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat them by letting them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Special Equipment

For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy tools, but here are a few items that will help you get the best results:

• Electric Mixer: Whether it’s a hand mixer or stand mixer, it will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
• Zester: A microplane zester is great for zesting the lemons. It gives you fine zest without any of the bitter pith.
• Parchment Paper: This is key for easy cookie removal and to prevent them from sticking.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought lemon cream filling? Sure! If you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought lemon curd or cream filling. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up as a filling.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the cookies and cream filling ahead of time. Store the cookies in an airtight container and the cream in the fridge. Assemble them just before serving.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons? You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best flavor. If you can, try to use them!

Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can make an egg-free version by using a flax egg or a store-bought egg replacement.

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Conclusion

There you have it—Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream! These cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess, and I’m sure they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household, just like they are in mine. I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out, so don’t forget to leave a comment or tag me on social media with your creations! And remember, whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something citrusy, these cookies will always hit the spot.