Introduction

Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and rich, creamy softness. These cookies are known for their pillowy texture, bold lemon aroma, and beautiful crinkled appearance created by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. Each bite melts in your mouth with a refreshing tang that feels light, cheerful, and irresistible.

What makes these cookies truly special is the addition of cream cheese. Cream cheese adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle richness that transforms a simple lemon cookie into a bakery-quality treat. Unlike crisp lemon cookies, these remain soft for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking, holiday trays, spring gatherings, and cookie exchanges.

Lemon desserts are loved year-round, but lemon crinkle cookies truly shine during spring and summer celebrations. Their sunny color and fresh flavor feel uplifting, while the crackled powdered sugar coating gives them an elegant, festive look without extra effort.

This detailed recipe will guide you through every step to create perfect Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies, along with expert tips, variations, and serving ideas so your cookies turn out flawless every time.

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preparation :

Step 1: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until smooth, creamy, and well blended. This step ensures a soft, tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Mix in the egg until fully incorporated. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling is essential to prevent spreading and achieve the classic crinkle effect.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape and Coat

Scoop dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 11–13 minutes, until cookies are puffed, cracked, and set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 10: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variation

🍋 1. Extra Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest for stronger citrus flavor.

🍓 2. Lemon Berry Cookies
Fold in dried blueberries or cranberries.

🍫 3. Lemon White Chocolate Cookies
Add white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness.

🌿 4. Lemon Almond Cookies
Add a few drops of almond extract for depth.

❄️ 5. Lemon Cream Sandwich Cookies
Sandwich cookies with lemon cream cheese frosting.

COOKING Note :

• Dough must be well chilled to prevent spreading.
• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
• Do not overbake—cookies continue setting as they cool.
• Roll dough heavily in powdered sugar for bold cracks.

Serving Suggestions :

• Serve with tea, coffee, or lemonade
• Add to spring or Easter dessert tables
• Package for gifting in cookie boxes
• Serve at baby showers or brunches
• Pair with vanilla or berry desserts

Tips

• Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
• Chill dough overnight for deeper flavor.
• Re-roll cookies in powdered sugar if needed before baking.
• Avoid overcrowding baking sheets.
• Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain softness.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

13 minutes

Total Time:

33 minutes (plus chilling)

Nutritional Information :

(Approximate per cookie)
Calories: ~165
Protein: ~2 g
Sodium: ~95 mg

FAQs

1. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

Dough wasn’t chilled long enough or not enough powdered sugar.

2. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze dough balls for up to 2 months.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for best flavor.

4. Are these cookies soft or crisp?

They are soft and tender with cake-like centers.

5. How long do they stay fresh?

Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Lemon Crinkle Cookies are bright, soft, and beautifully crackled, making them as stunning as they are delicious. With their tangy lemon flavor, creamy texture, and classic crinkle finish, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from casual snacking to special celebrations. Once you bake them, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your cookie collection.