Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Yields: 18-24 servings

Active Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Inactive Time: 1+ hours

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Icing:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Begin by creaming together the room temperature butter and cream cheese in a large bowl or with a mixer until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy.
2. Incorporate the room temperature egg into the mixture, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 5-6 minutes.
3. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, lemon zest, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
4. To the creamed mixture, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour.
5. Once the dough has formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours or until it has chilled.
6. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheets.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden and pull away from the baking sheet.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely.

For the Lemon Icing:

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust the thickness of the icing by adding more or less powdered sugar to your preference.
2. Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over them and allow it to set before serving. Enjoy!