Description
These Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the refreshing zest of lemon and sweet coconut, all wrapped in a chewy, soft cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful cookies are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded coconut
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
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Gradually add the flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring until well combined. The dough will be slightly thick and sticky.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
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In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Chill the cheesecake filling in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when assembling the cookies.
Assemble the Cookies:
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Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball.
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Use your finger or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Spoon a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling into the center.
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Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling and roll it back into a ball, ensuring that the cheesecake filling is completely encased in the dough.
Bake the Cookies:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Coconut Topping:
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Once the cookies have cooled, sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dough and filling in advance, then bake fresh the day you want to serve them.