These Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are the kind of cookie that makes you pause after the first bite—soft, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. With a texture that’s almost like a cheesecake meets a sugar cookie, they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender thanks to cream cheese in the dough. Topped with a light lemon glaze that sets into a delicate sheen, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Ideal for spring, summer, or honestly any time you want something refreshingly sweet, these cookies are also surprisingly quick and simple to make. Perfect for busy bakers who still want big results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Pillowy Texture: The cream cheese makes these cookies extra soft and gives them a creamy bite unlike any other.
Bold Lemon Flavor: Thanks to lemon juice, zest, and glaze, every bite bursts with fresh lemony brightness.
Quick to Make: No need to chill the dough! These cookies come together fast and bake in minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re baking for a gathering, cookie exchange, or just a treat-yourself moment, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Here’s everything that goes into making these gloriously soft lemon cookies:

All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure without making the cookies too dense.
Baking powder: Helps lift the cookies and create that tender, airy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cream cheese: The secret to the irresistibly soft texture and a subtle tangy richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and fat for that classic cookie feel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a soft, cakey crumb.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps the cookies puff up.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor—always zest before you juice!
Fresh lemon juice: Brings that fresh, tart edge that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, subtle sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, it melts beautifully over the warm cookies.
Milk or lemon juice (for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Lime or Orange Version: Swap lemon for lime or orange zest and juice for a citrus twist.
Add Berries: Press a fresh raspberry or blueberry into the center before baking for a burst of fruity flavor.
Frosted Instead of Glazed: For a richer topping, whip up a lemon cream cheese frosting and spread it on cooled cookies.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. These cookies are very forgiving!

How to Make Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—this is key to soft cookies!

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. The centers may look slightly underdone—that’s what makes them so soft!

Step 4: Glaze the Cookies

While the cookies cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm cookies and let it set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly for an even texture.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be just barely golden at the bottom. Overbaking makes them dry.
Zest First, Juice Second: It’s way easier to zest a whole lemon than one that’s been juiced.
Glaze While Warm: The glaze soaks in just enough and sets beautifully if added to warm—not hot—cookies.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect just as they are, but you can really make them shine with a few thoughtful pairings:

###With Tea:
Serve with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile for a relaxing afternoon treat.

###For Dessert:
Plate them with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant, easy dessert.

###Party Platter:
Add to a dessert tray with other citrus-flavored goodies—think lemon bars or orange shortbread—for a theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The texture stays soft, and the glaze sets nicely.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Glaze after thawing for best results.

Reheating

To bring back a fresh-baked feel, warm cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave. The glaze softens slightly, and the cookie feels bakery-fresh again.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking to soften up for easy scooping.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Too-soft butter or overmixing can cause cookies to spread. Be sure your butter is just room temp (not melted) and mix until just combined.

Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but the glaze adds a lovely tangy-sweet finish that really elevates the flavor. If you’re short on time, a light dusting of powdered sugar works too.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane zester and only zest the yellow part—avoid the white pith underneath, which is bitter.

Final Thoughts

Soft, sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are the kind of treat you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something bright and comforting, this easy recipe delivers every time. Try them once, and they just might become your go-to lemon cookie.

Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe