Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies (Print Version)
Soft cookies with creamy cheesecake filling, fresh lemon zest, and crunchy poppy seeds.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons lemon zest
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Cheesecake Filling
12 - 6 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Rolling
15 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 - Additional poppy seeds, optional
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
05 - Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.
06 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Chill while assembling.
07 - Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough, flatten into a disc, and place 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center. Top with another 1 tablespoon of dough, seal edges, and roll into a ball.
08 - Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and extra poppy seeds if desired. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
09 - Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10 - Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of tangy lemon and rich cheesecake filling creates that perfect sweet-tart balance that keeps you reaching for just one more
- These cookies look stunning on a platter but come together with surprisingly manageable steps, even if you are not a confident baker
02 -
- The chilling step is not optional because warm dough will spread too much and the filling might leak out during baking
- Seal the edges of your dough balls thoroughly or you will end up with cheesecake oozing onto your baking sheet instead of staying inside
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and prevent lumps in both your dough and filling
- A cookie scoop makes portioning much easier and helps ensure all your cookies bake evenly