Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream Filling

Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream Filling

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

---

Instructions:

Prepare the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape and Bake:
   • Scoop out 1–2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
   • Slightly flatten each ball with your palm.
   • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:

1. Make the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and fluffy.

---

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Fill the Cookies:
   • Spread a generous amount of lemon cream filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
2. Chill and Serve:
   • Place the filled cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the filling to set.
   • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

---

Storage:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy the zesty, creamy goodness of these lemon-filled delights! 🍋🍪