If you’re craving something tangy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are here to win your heart. These cookies are perfectly soft thanks to the magic of cream cheese, bursting with fresh lemon flavor, and finished with a zesty glaze that makes them truly irresistible. They’re the kind of treat that feels like sunshine in every bite—ideal for spring, summer, or honestly, any time you want a cookie that’s a little extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Soft Texture: Cream cheese in the dough gives these cookies that rich, pillowy softness you won’t find in your average cookie.
Bright and Zesty Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give these cookies a lively, citrusy kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen, but the end result tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s tea time, a bake sale, or just a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these cookies fit the bill beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, giving structure while keeping things light.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, tender texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key here for a smooth dough and rich flavor.
Cream cheese: The secret weapon for ultra-soft, almost creamy cookies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping create those lightly golden edges.
Egg: Just one, to bind everything together and give the cookies a touch of richness.
Lemon zest: Packs a punch of bright lemon flavor without adding extra moisture.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds tangy freshness and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze—light, sweet, and dissolves beautifully over the warm cookies.
Milk or cream: A splash to thin out the glaze just enough to drizzle perfectly.

Variations

Lemon-Lime Twist: Swap out half the lemon juice and zest for lime for a citrus combo that pops.
Berry Boost: Add a handful of fresh or dried blueberries into the dough for a fruity burst.
Almond Infusion: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a more complex, nutty background note.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—these cookies adapt well!

How to Make Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside—you’ll be mixing this into the wet ingredients shortly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This step is key to that soft texture.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Flavorings

Mix in the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cookies soft!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes. You want the edges just set and the centers still soft.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of milk or cream to make a smooth glaze.

Step 8: Glaze and Let Set

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies or dip the tops for a glossy finish. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes to set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh lemon juice and zest: It makes a huge difference in the flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
Don’t overbake: These cookies should be barely golden on the bottom. Overbaking will make them lose their soft texture.
Chill the dough: This isn’t optional—it keeps the cookies from spreading too much and gives them that softbatch texture.
Adjust glaze consistency: If it’s too thick, add more milk a little at a time. If it’s too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will fix it.

How to Serve

These cookies are delightful with a cup of tea, a tall glass of cold milk, or even coffee. Arrange them on a pretty plate with a few lemon wedges or fresh berries on the side for an extra pop of color and flavor. They’re great for baby showers, brunches, or just a simple treat after dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and fresh for days, especially if you keep them away from direct heat.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the cookies, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that soft, just-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh lemon juice and zest give the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to taste a bit flat and lacks the brightness that fresh lemons bring.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough is essential for keeping the cookies from spreading too much and achieving that pillowy soft texture.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Definitely. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before using, and add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be just barely set and the tops to look soft but not wet. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

These Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and soft—all in one easy-to-make package. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, they deliver bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Try them once, and don’t be surprised if they become a go-to favorite.

Softbatch Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe