There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and poppy seeds. Add a creamy cheesecake frosting, and you’ve got a cookie that’s tangy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. These Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies are thick, soft, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, with a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, these cookies will impress. They bring together the zesty brightness of lemon, the slight nuttiness of poppy seeds, and the luxurious richness of cheesecake frosting. If you love lemon desserts, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love These lemon cheesecake cookies

• Easy to make – No complicated steps, just simple and delicious.
• Packed with lemon flavor – Fresh lemon zest and juice add a bold citrus kick.
• Creamy cheesecake frosting – A rich, tangy topping that complements the soft cookies.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for spring, summer, or whenever you need a bright and refreshing treat.
• Soft yet slightly crunchy – The poppy seeds add a subtle texture contrast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 110g butter, melted – Adds moisture and richness.
• 200g granulated sugar – Balances the tart lemon flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Enhances the citrusy taste.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
• 210g all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Contributes to the perfect soft texture.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds – Adds a subtle crunch.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.

For the Cheesecake Frosting

• 200g cream cheese (cold) – The star ingredient for a rich, tangy frosting.
• 75g powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
• 1 tablespoon agave or honey – Adds a hint of natural sweetness.
• 120g heavy cream (cold) – Makes the frosting light and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth to the frosting.
• Poppy seeds for garnish – A decorative finishing touch.
• Lemon slices or zest for decoration (optional) – Enhances the presentation.

Step-By-Step Instructions lemon cheesecake cookies

1. Prepare the Butter

Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Let it cool to room temperature before using to prevent the dough from becoming greasy.

2. Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest

In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the mixture resembles wet sand. This step releases the lemon’s natural oils, giving the cookies a bold citrus aroma.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the cooled melted butter to the sugar mixture and whisk for about a minute until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

5. Form the Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cookies dense. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.

6. Chill the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, portion out 11 evenly sized dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

7. Bake the lemon cheesecake cookies

Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) while the dough chills. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 10-11 minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

8. Prepare the Cheesecake Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together cold cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and agave (or honey) until smooth. Add in the cold heavy cream and whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

9. Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a round tip (such as Wilton 2A). Pipe a swirl on each cookie. Garnish with poppy seeds and lemon zest or slices for an elegant touch.

Expert Baking Tips

• Chill the dough – Prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
• Use a kitchen scale – Ensures precise measurements for the best texture.
• Use cold cream cheese – Keeps the frosting thick and creamy.
• Let cookies cool before frosting – Prevents the frosting from melting.

FAQs

More Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies, here are more delightful treats to explore:

• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake – A creamy cheesecake infused with zesty lemon and studded with juicy blueberries, offering a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls – Flaky pastry rolls filled with a luscious blueberry cheesecake mixture, making for an indulgent breakfast or dessert option.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls – Soft, gooey rolls combining the classic flavors of Cinnabon and strawberry cheesecake, topped with a sweet glaze.
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – These bars feature a buttery crust layered with creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a rich caramel topping.
• Buttermilk Chocolate Cake – A moist and rich chocolate cake made with tangy buttermilk, perfect for any chocolate lover.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration Easy Lemon Cake Mix Recipes

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.

More Delicious Cookie Recipes

If you love these cookies, try these next:

• Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies – A fruity twist on a creamy classic.
• Lemon Raspberry Cookies (Gluten-Free) – A tart, refreshing treat.
• Strawberry Crunch Cookies – Crunchy, sweet, and packed with berry flavor.

Try This Recipe & Share Your Creations

I’d love to hear how your Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest if you try them. Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it easily next time!

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