Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Delight in the sweet and tangy flavors of these Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, perfect for any occasion! With a rich cream cheese base and a hint of warm spices, these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a treat, these cutout cookies can be customized with your favorite shapes and decorated to create a stunning dessert platter. Share them with family and friends for a joyful baking experience that everyone will love!
60
Servings
62.5
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
butter, softened
2/3 cup
cream cheese, softened
3 ounces
sugar
1/2 cup
milk
3 tablespoons
grated lemon peel
1 1/2 teaspoons
powdered sugar
2 cups (sifted (optional))
warm water
3 tablespoons ((optional))
meringue powder
4 teaspoons ((optional))
cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon ((optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the milk and grated lemon peel to the cream cheese mixture, blending until combined.
4
Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
7
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned. Allow to cool on wire racks.
9
If you choose to decorate, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar in a medium mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of warm water.
10
Beat the icing mixture on low speed until combined before increasing to medium-high speed for 7 to 10 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
11
If the icing is too thick, add more water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. Use to decorate cooled cookies.
Nutrition Information
0.75g
Fat
7g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies?
These are delightful sweet and tangy cutout cookies featuring a rich cream cheese base, warm spices, and a hint of lemon.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 60 servings.
What is the primary flavor of these cookies?
The cookies have a sweet and tangy flavor profile with zesty lemon and warm spices.
What specific spices are used in the cookie dough?
The recipe includes ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Is real lemon used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel for a zesty flavor.
What is the role of cream cheese in this recipe?
Cream cheese creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base for the sugar cookies.
How long should the dough be chilled before rolling?
The dough should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
How thick should I roll out the cookie dough?
Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8-inch.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly browned.
Can I use cookie cutters for this recipe?
Yes, these are cutout cookies designed to be used with various cookie cutter shapes.
Is there an icing recipe for decoration?
Yes, the recipe includes instructions for an optional icing made with powdered sugar and meringue powder.
What are the ingredients for the icing?
The icing requires powdered sugar, meringue powder, cream of tartar, and warm water.
How do I prepare the icing?
Beat the icing mixture on low speed to combine, then increase to medium-high for 7 to 10 minutes until stiff peaks form.
What is the nutritional calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 62.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 0.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
There are 7g of carbohydrates per cookie.
What is the protein content of these cookies?
Each cookie provides 0.25g of protein.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Does the butter need to be softened?
Yes, use 2/3 cup of softened butter for the best mixing results.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of standard granulated sugar.
Why is meringue powder used in the decoration?
Meringue powder is used in the icing to help achieve stiff peaks for decorating.
Is milk included in the ingredient list?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of milk are added to the cream cheese and butter mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
How do I prevent overmixing the dough?
Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined.
Are these cookies suitable for a dessert platter?
Yes, they are described as perfect for creating a stunning dessert platter for gatherings.
What should I do if the icing is too thick?
If the icing is too thick, gradually add more water until you reach the desired consistency.
What surface should be used for rolling the dough?
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks after baking.