If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors and delightfully creamy textures, you’ve got to try this Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These sandwich cookies bring together tender lemon-scented cookies, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a sweet-tart strawberry jam center that feels like a little bite of sunshine. Perfect for any occasion, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious and will quickly become your go-to treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of tangy lemon, rich cheesecake creaminess, and fruity strawberry sweetness. Fortunately, the components are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a vital role in the texture, flavor, or color of these irresistible cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds zesty brightness that defines the recipe’s lemony notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fresh citrus oils.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base giving structure to the cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a delicate bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smoothens the cream cheese filling.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam or preserves: Provides a luscious fruity layer in the middle.
How to Make Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is beautifully light and fluffy — this ensures your cookies will have an awesome texture. Then, beat in the egg along with fresh lemon juice and zest, infusing the dough with that bright lemon flavor that makes these cookies so special.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl before gradually folding them into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft dough forms, careful not to overwork it, so the cookies stay tender and delicate. Next, shape the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Lightly flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass — this helps the cookies bake evenly with a lovely surface for the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a subtle golden shade. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off, as warm cookies can make the filling slide off later.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cookies cool, whip the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth, creamy, and decadent. This filling is the heart of the sandwich cookies, lending a luscious tang that perfectly complements the various layers of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling on the flat side of half the cookies. Next, add a small dollop of strawberry jam on top of the filling — this sweet burst will surprise your taste buds delightfully. Finally, sandwich with the remaining cookies, gently pressing together. Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to let the filling set, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch that enhances flavor, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin slice of fresh strawberry placed delicately on top of each cookie. You can also sprinkle a little extra lemon zest for a vibrant pop of color and citrus aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
These sandwich cookies shine on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of chilled sparkling lemonade for a full daydream-worthy experience. They also make a charming treat alongside simple fruit salads or light whipped cream for a more decadent spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert tray for an elegant touch at parties. You might also wrap them individually in decorative parchment paper tied with twine for gifting or place them in cellophane bags with personalized tags for a sweet party favor. The possibilities for presentation are as delightful as the cookies themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled and chilled, store your sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to bring out the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, wrap individual sandwich cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to a month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature for serving.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, simply let chilled cookies warm slightly on the counter for optimal taste and cream cheese filling consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam in the Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberry or blueberry jam makes an excellent alternative and adds its own unique twist. Just choose a variety you love that complements the lemon and cream cheese flavors.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
While the cream cheese filling is central to the recipe, you can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based butter to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does it take to prepare and bake these cookies?
The entire process, including baking and chilling, takes about 37 minutes, with active prep time around 25 minutes. They’re a fantastic treat you can create relatively quickly when craving something special.
What’s the best way to soften butter and cream cheese for the recipe?
Leave them out at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before starting. The butter and cream cheese should be soft enough to press a finger into easily but not melted.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales up well. Just make sure to space the cookies properly on baking sheets and adjust baking time slightly if needed to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that’s as joyful to eat as it is to make. The bright lemon, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberry jam come together to create a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll have a permanent place in your dessert rotation!
Print
Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies combine bright lemon-flavored buttery cookies with a creamy cheesecake filling and a sweet strawberry jam center, creating a deliciously tangy and sweet dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly to incorporate flavors and maintain a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass to ensure even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are ready.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy for the perfect cheesecake filling.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling on the flat side of half the cookies. Place a small dollop of strawberry jam on top of the filling, then sandwich with the remaining cookies.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled sandwich cookies in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the filling to set before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For a fun variation, substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam.
- Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Before serving, allow the cookies to come to room temperature to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
