These Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies are delightful, buttery treats infused with vibrant lemon flavor and a hint of tang from cream cheese. Perfect for springtime celebrations like Easter or Mother’s Day, these cookies are both elegant and easy to prepare. The addition of cream cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Decorated with lemon buttercream frosting, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1½ teaspoons lemon extract
• Zest from one lemon
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup lemon juice (approximately two lemons)
• 5–6 cups powdered sugar
• Zest from one lemon
• Pink and green food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookies:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the egg yolk, lemon extract, and lemon zest; mix until well combined.
   • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
   • Fill a cookie press with the dough and press cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet using a flower-shaped disc.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
2. Prepare the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
   • Add the lemon juice and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
   • Stir in the lemon zest.
   • Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint with pink and green food coloring, if desired.
3. Decorate the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies have cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to decorate the cookies with the colored lemon buttercream frosting.
   • Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Sugar: 8g

Why Choose Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies?

There are many reasons why Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies should be your go-to recipe for special occasions or when you simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade treat. These cookies stand out because of their delicate texture and perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy freshness. Unlike traditional cookies that may be overly sweet, these cookies offer a light and refreshing flavor profile that makes them enjoyable without overwhelming your taste buds.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. The cream cheese base allows for easy customization to suit your preferences. You can adjust the lemon flavor by using more or less lemon zest or extract, or even experiment with different citrus fruits such as lime or orange for a unique twist. The cookies can also be decorated in various ways, allowing for creative expression when it comes to presentation. Whether you choose to use simple frosting or add sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter, the options are endless for making these cookies your own.

Health Benefits of Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies

While Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies are primarily a dessert, they do offer some benefits that can be enjoyed in moderation. The inclusion of cream cheese adds a creamy texture and a bit of protein, while the lemon provides a natural source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune system health. Vitamin C also plays a role in skin health by promoting collagen production, which helps to maintain skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles.

Perfect Occasions for Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies

Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies are ideal for a variety of occasions, thanks to their elegant appearance and refreshing flavor. Here are some of the best times to make and share these cookies:

• Spring Celebrations: These cookies are perfect for spring holidays such as Easter, Mother’s Day, or even a spring-themed tea party. The light, citrusy flavor evokes the refreshing qualities of the season, making them a fitting choice for outdoor gatherings or brunches.

• Gift Giving: Packaged beautifully in a decorative tin or box, these cookies make an excellent gift for friends, family, or colleagues. The combination of the delicate cookie texture and the bright frosting makes them a thoughtful and visually appealing gift for any occasion.

• Holiday Treats: Though they are particularly suited for spring, Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies can also be enjoyed during the winter holidays. The lemon flavor offers a refreshing break from the heavier, more traditional holiday treats, providing a balance of flavors on your dessert table.

• Baking Parties or Cookie Exchanges: These cookies are a great choice for baking parties or cookie exchanges, where you can share your love of baking with others. Their visually appealing design makes them stand out in a crowd of cookies, and their light flavor ensures they won’t be too heavy when enjoyed alongside other treats.

• Afternoon Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon snack. The refreshing lemon flavor complements the bitterness of black or green tea, making them a perfect pairing for a leisurely break.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies

For the best results when making Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use a Cookie Press: The key to achieving the perfect shape for these cookies is using a cookie press. This tool allows you to create beautiful, consistent shapes, which can add a touch of elegance to your cookies. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also roll the dough into small balls and press them gently with a fork, although the traditional spritz cookie shape is the most desirable.

• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft and difficult to work with, chill it for 30 minutes to an hour. Chilled dough is easier to handle and will hold its shape better when pressed onto the baking sheet.

• Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can result in a dry, crumbly texture, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly underbaked.

• Frost with Care: If you want your frosting to be smooth and even, be sure to use a piping bag fitted with a small tip. You can also opt for a simple glaze if you prefer a less intricate decoration. Just make sure the cookies are completely cooled before applying any frosting to prevent it from melting.

• Experiment with Colors: The lemon buttercream frosting can be tinted with various food colors to match the occasion. Pink and green are popular choices for spring-themed cookies, but you can experiment with any colors that suit the season or the event.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies are an exceptional choice for anyone looking to bake a delicious and visually stunning treat. With their perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy butter, these cookies are sure to please a variety of palates. The use of cream cheese in the dough adds a delightful richness that sets them apart from traditional butter cookies, while the lemon frosting provides an extra burst of citrus that enhances their overall flavor profile.