Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd

These soft lemon cheesecake cookies are topped with a sweet blueberry curd. They’re a delightful treat that combines the freshness of lemon, the richness of cream cheese, and the sweetness of blueberries. The soft lemon cookie base combined with the freshness of the cheesecake topping will remind you of a perfect slice of lemon cheesecake. These cookies are perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd:

For the Lemon Cookies:

• Light brown sugar: Provides a rich, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, fresh citrus flavor to the cookies.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates a tender, rich cookie base.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Blueberry Curd:

• Unsalted butter, cubed: Adds richness and helps thicken the curd.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the curd.
• Lemon (zested and juiced): Provides acidity and additional lemon flavor.
• Frozen blueberries: Gives the curd its fruity flavor and color.
• Egg yolks: Thickens the curd and adds richness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the curd.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, room temperature: Creates a creamy, tangy frosting.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps the frosting spread smoothly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and a smaller one for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Piping Bag: To add the frosting to the cookies.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Cookies:

• 130 g (2/3 cup) light brown sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 90 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 160 g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Blueberry Curd:

• 28 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed
• 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 90 g (1/2 cup) frozen blueberries
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 100 g (1/2 cup) cream cheese, room temperature
• 28 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Lemon Cookie Dough:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Add the brown sugar to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Zest the lemons into the bowl, then use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar. Add the butter, then use a hand mixer to beat the mixture together until it’s light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add in the egg and vanilla, and beat until well combined (about 1 minute). Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together just until no flour streaks remain. Cover the bowl then place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Blueberry Curd:

1. Make the Blueberry Curd: Prep a small mixing bowl by adding the cubed butter to it, along with a fine mesh sieve. Set aside. Add the sugar to a small saucepan, then zest the lemon into the pan. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar. Juice the lemon, and add 28g of lemon juice to the saucepan. Then add in the egg yolks, blueberries, and salt. Set the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to stir the curd until it thickens. Remove the curd from the heat and pass it through the fine mesh sieve, over the butter. Mix the curd and the butter together until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the curd to the fridge to chill until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.
2. Bake the Cookies: Once the cookies have chilled, preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use a 3 tbsp cookie scoop to dish out the cookies onto the prepared cookie sheet, evenly spacing them apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the sides of the cookies just start to turn golden brown, and the top of the cookies looks just slightly wet. Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Add in half of the powdered sugar and beat until combined, then beat in the remaining powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla.
2. Assemble the Cookies: Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before frosting them. Top each cookie with about 1.5 tbsp of the frosting. Use a spoon to make crevices in the frosting for the blueberry curd to sit in. Pour 2 tsp of blueberry curd on the tops of each of the cookies, and gently swirl it into the frosting. Top the cookies with more lemon zest and a small slice of lemon if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane zester for fine zest that incorporates well into the sugar and dough.
• Chill the Dough: After mixing the cookie dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and results in a chewier texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely, especially for flour. Too much flour can make the cookies dry, while too little can affect the dough’s consistency.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Blueberry Curd: Stir the curd constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan and ensure even thickening.
• Decorating: Adding extra lemon zest on top enhances the lemon flavor and adds a decorative touch.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture and flavor, ensure that the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly into the cookie dough.
• Garnish with Lemon Zest: For extra lemony flavor and a touch of color, sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the cookies just before serving.

General Tips:

• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking and the right texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Start checking a few minutes before the recipe suggests to prevent overbaking.
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
• Top with Blueberry Curd: For the best presentation and flavor, add a dollop of blueberry curd on top of each cooled cookie. If the curd is too runny, chill it slightly to thicken it before adding.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and curd separately and thaw before serving.

More Baking Ideas:

• White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies -Delight in the perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries with every bite of these irresistible cookies.
• Easy Blueberry Pastry -A flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet, juicy blueberries – an easy and delicious treat for any occasion.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies -These zesty lemon cookies with a hint of poppy seed crunch will brighten up your day with a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Strawberries & Cream Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies infused with fresh strawberries and a velvety cream filling – the ultimate summer treat!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: