Description
These cookies deliver a dreamy cheesecake texture! Softened cream cheese and vibrant lemon zest are creamed with butter for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth bite. Instructions and nutrition included.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Cream Cheese (full fat, softened): 4 ounces
- Large Egg: 1
- Lemon Zest (freshly grated): 1 tablespoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut: 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the egg and the lemon zest until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded coconut by hand.
- Step 4: Scoop the dough using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop (or roll into balls) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten the tops of the cookie balls slightly.
- Step 5: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Keep cookies fresh and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage if you don't plan to eat them immediately.
- To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cooled cookie into the microwave for 8-10 seconds—just enough to soften the creamy center without drying out the edges.
- Enhance the citrus flavor and rich texture by serving these cheesecake cookies alongside a simple raspberry coulis or a cold glass of milk.
- For maximum lemon aroma, ensure you zest only the bright yellow part of the fruit (the flavedo), strictly avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 115
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.0g
- Protein: 10g