Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies (Print Version)
Bright citrus cookies with crunchy poppy seeds crowned with creamy tangy frosting for irresistible treats.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Components
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 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon zest from 2 lemons
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Cheesecake Frosting
12 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
16 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Add egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Continue beating until light and fluffy.
09 - Spread or pipe a generous layer of cheesecake frosting onto each completely cooled cookie. Optionally garnish with additional lemon zest or poppy seeds.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of zesty lemon and creamy cheesecake frosting feels like sunshine on a plate
- These cookies strike that perfect balance between sophisticated dessert and comforting afternoon treat
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable here, or your frosting will turn into a lumpy mess
- These cookies need to be completely cool before frosting, or the cheesecake topping will melt right off
03 -
- Zest your lemons before juicing them, or you'll make extracting that flavorful zest nearly impossible
- Sift the powdered sugar for the frosting to avoid any lumps that would ruin the smooth texture