Lemon Cheesecake Cookies

These sweet, cheery little lemon cheesecake cookies will stand out on your cookie plate and make great gifts for the holidays.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 41 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 5 drops yellow food coloring (Optional)
• 60 cinnamon red hot candies, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3

Beat butter and cream cheese together in a bowl. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, lemon peel, and lemon extract and beat well.

Step 4

Sift flour and salt together in a bowl. Add to the bowl with the butter mixture in 3 additions, mixing well after each. Add food coloring and mix in thoroughly.

Step 5

Press cookies 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie press fitted with a flower disc. Press 1 red hot cinnamon candy into the center of each cookie.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until just starting to turn golden brown on the edges, 14 to 16 minutes; do not overbake.