Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies Recipe

These Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies are the perfect union of bright citrus and luscious berry flavors wrapped in a tender, buttery cookie. Imagine biting into a soft yet slightly crisp cookie that gives way to a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling burst with delicate strawberry notes—this is a real crowd-pleaser that will instantly become a go-to treat. Whether you’re craving something refreshing or looking to impress friends, these cookies bring joy with every delightful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients with thoughtful touches make these cookies shine. Each element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that brings the Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies to life.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and tenderness to both the cookie and filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a delicate crust when rolling the dough balls.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together while adding moisture.
• Lemon zest: Fresh zest infuses vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
• Lemon oil: Just a few drops intensify the lemon essence without extra moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, familiar depth that complements the fruitiness.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors in the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure without heaviness.
• Baking powder: Gives a light lift, creating a tender crumb.
• Additional granulated sugar (for coating): Creates a sparkling, slightly crunchy coating on each cookie.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the luscious cheesecake filling, provides smooth sweetness.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, it’s the creamy star of the filling.
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder: Packs vibrant natural strawberry flavor and pretty pink color without any extra moisture.

How to Make Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies

Step 1: Prepare the cookie dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this is crucial for that tender texture. Then whisk in the egg, lemon zest, lemon oil, vanilla, and sea salt. Sprinkle in the flour and baking powder, mixing gently until a smooth, soft dough forms with no dry patches. This dough is delicate but perfect for shaping.

Step 2: Shape and bake the cookies

Divide the dough into 28 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball lightly in granulated sugar for that delightful sparkle and crunch. Place them spaced on your baking sheets and gently press each ball into medallions about 1/4 inch thick, forming neat circles. Because the dough is soft, take a moment to shape the edges for perfect rounds. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, just until the edges turn golden brown. Remove and let them cool completely—they’ll firm up a bit as they cool.

Step 3: Whip up the cheesecake filling

While the cookies cool, start the decadent filling by beating softened butter and powdered sugar together until silky smooth. Add the room temperature cream cheese and continue beating until fully blended and creamy. Finally, whisk in the strawberry powder until the filling is uniformly pink and bursting with berry flavor. Taste and adjust by adding more sugar or strawberry powder if desired. Cover and chill the filling for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight if you have time; this step is key for firm, spreadable filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies

Once your cookies and filling are ready, use a heaping tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to dollop filling onto half of the cookies. Gently top with a second cookie and press just enough to sandwich the filling, allowing a luscious bit of frosting to peek out the sides. Clean off any excess frosting with a knife or spatula, and if you like, roll the frosting edges in extra strawberry powder for a pretty finishing touch. Chill the assembled sandwiches until serving time to let the filling set perfectly.

How to Serve Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies

Garnishes

Enhancing the presentation can be just as fun as eating these cookies. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few freeze-dried strawberry crumbs on top adds visual appeal and intensifies the fruity notes. You might even add an edible flower or tiny lemon zest curls as a charming touch—the possibilities are endless for making these treats truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair these Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies with a simple cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of milk to balance their richness. Fresh berries or a small bowl of lemon sorbet also serve as refreshing companions, heightening the summer-fresh vibes of the cookies without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, arrange the cookies in a decorative box lined with pastel tissue paper. You can alternatively stack them elegantly on a tiered plate or use clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon to showcase their beauty. Get creative by piping fun designs on the filling edges or sandwiching different fruit powders for flavor twists—your guests will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps both the cookies and the creamy filling fresh and firm for up to 2 or 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

These sandwich cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before enjoying to maintain their luscious filling and tender cookie texture.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If desired, simply let the sandwich cookies warm at room temperature for a short while after taking them out of the fridge. This helps soften the filling slightly without compromising the cookie’s delicate crumb.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries for the strawberry powder?

Fresh strawberries add moisture that can change the texture of the filling, so they aren’t recommended as a direct substitute for strawberry powder. The powder offers concentrated flavor without extra liquid, which keeps the filling stable. However, you could try blending fresh strawberries into a smooth puree and reducing other liquid ingredients, but expect a softer filling.

What if I don’t have lemon oil? Can I use lemon extract instead?

Lemon extract can be used as a substitute, but start with less since it tends to be stronger and more concentrated than lemon oil. Adjust to taste, adding slowly to avoid overpowering the dough. The key is a balanced, fresh lemon flavor without bitterness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain structure. Baking time and texture might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.

How do I get perfectly round cookie shapes every time?

The dough is soft, so rolling balls in sugar helps create a stable outer coating. After placing the dough balls on the baking sheet, gently press them with your fingers or the bottom of a glass into neat circles. Taking a moment to shape the edges will give you those flawless, uniform cookies.

Can I make the filling without butter?

Butter adds richness and helps stabilize the filling, but you can experiment with using all cream cheese for a slightly tangier, softer filling. The texture may be less creamy and a bit looser, so you might want to chill it longer before assembling the sandwich cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon strawberry cheesecake sandwich cookies are truly a delightful treat that bring sunshine and sweetness into every bite. Whether it’s for a casual afternoon snack, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, I can’t recommend them enough. Give them a try—you’ll find that the combination of citrus, berries, and creamy cheesecake filling makes these cookies unforgettable!

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