These Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies are a delightful dessert that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the sweetness of strawberries, and the creamy richness of cheesecake in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these sandwich cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines tangy lemon and sweet strawberry for a balanced flavor.
Creamy cheesecake filling makes them irresistibly rich.
Easy to make and ideal for various occasions.
A visually stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Customizable with endless variations to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Lemon zest and juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (finely chopped or pureed)

Directions

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies

Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, lemon zest, and juice to the creamed mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients to form a dough. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut it into small rounds. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Fold in the strawberries, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
Spread a generous layer of cheesecake filling onto the bottom of one cookie. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the assembled cookies for at least 30 minutes to set the filling before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough or chocolate chips to the filling.
Berry Swap: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruit profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough.
Citrus Twist: Experiment with lime or orange zest for a new flavor dimension.
Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and a flax egg.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The cookies can be frozen (without the filling) for up to 1 month. Assemble after thawing.
Reheating: Bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble them just before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?

Absolutely! Strawberry jam works well as a substitute for fresh strawberries in the cheesecake filling.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the filling may be slightly less creamy compared to using full-fat cream cheese.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough before baking helps minimize spreading.

5. Can I make mini versions of these sandwich cookies?

Of course! Use a smaller cookie cutter and adjust the baking time to 6-8 minutes.

6. What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the filling?

You can use honey or a sugar substitute, but the texture might differ slightly.

7. Can I add food coloring to the filling?

Yes, adding a few drops of pink or red food coloring can enhance the visual appeal.

8. Are these cookies suitable for freezing after assembly?

While you can freeze them, the filling’s texture may change. It’s better to freeze the cookies and filling separately.

9. What’s the best way to achieve a smooth filling?

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that will please everyone with their combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Whether for a party, a picnic, or a sweet indulgence, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Try them today and elevate your dessert game!