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Why You'll Love These Cookies
Crumbl Lemon Cheesecake Cookies combine the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a bakery cookie with the zesty punch of lemon and the creamy goodness of cheesecake. The lemon curd adds that bright, tangy finish that cuts through the sweetness—perfect for lemon lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, baby shower, afternoon tea, or just to satisfy your lemon craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Optional: Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
If you prefer homemade lemon curd, here's a quick version:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs. Stir constantly for about 6–8 minutes, until thick enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Cool completely before using on cookies.
Crumbl’s Lemon Cheesecake Cookies are a dreamy combination of soft, thick lemon cookies topped with a rich cheesecake frosting and tangy lemon curd.
Making them at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right techniques and serving know-how, you can replicate (or even improve on) the store-bought version right in your kitchen.
Top Tips for Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
1. Use Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice
Artificial lemon extract can taste overly perfumed. For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice. Zest brings oils that enhance aroma, while juice adds a sharp citrus pop. Add zest to the cookie dough and juice to the cheesecake topping for layered lemon flavor.
2. Chill the Dough
The cookie dough is thick and rich, which helps them bake into that classic Crumbl size. Chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes helps:
- Prevent spreading
- Develop flavor
- Make scooping easier
This is essential if you want those thick, bakery-style cookies with slightly crisp edges and a tender, cakey center.
3. Scoop Large Cookies
Crumbl is known for its oversized cookies (about 4.5 oz each). Use a large cookie scoop or weigh your dough balls to mimic the authentic size. For smaller portions, cut dough balls in half before baking.
4. Make an Indent Before Baking
For the cheesecake topping to sit nicely without sliding off, press a shallow well into the center of each cookie before baking. Use a spoon or your thumb. Once baked, gently press again while they’re still warm, if needed.
5. Cheesecake Frosting Must Be Thick
To keep your frosting from running or melting off, make sure:
- Cream cheese is room temperature
- Butter is slightly cooler
- You use powdered sugar, not granulated
Chill the frosting before piping if it feels too soft.
Cheesecake Layer Tips
6. Pipe, Don’t Spread
Piping a round dollop of cheesecake frosting into the center looks neater and more professional than spreading with a knife. Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip snipped off.
7. Lemon Curd: Store-Bought or Homemade
You can use a high-quality store-bought lemon curd to save time, but homemade lemon curd adds a freshness that really sets these cookies apart. Just 5 ingredients (eggs, lemon juice, zest, butter, sugar) and about 10 minutes on the stove will yield a luscious curd that tastes miles better than jarred.
Serving & Storage Tricks
8. Serve Chilled
Unlike typical cookies, these are best served chilled or slightly cool. The cheesecake and curd toppings are perishable, and the flavor is more balanced when not warm. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish for Visual Appeal
Top with a twist of lemon zest, a thin lemon wedge, or even a dollop of whipped cream if serving at a party. It adds visual appeal and enhances the lemon theme.
10. Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Frost and top with lemon curd after thawing for the freshest results.
Serving Size Guide
Crumbl-sized cookies can be quite large. Here’s how to portion:
- Full Crumbl size: 4–5 inches wide – serve 1 per person
- Half-size cookies: Perfect for gatherings or dessert platters
- Mini version: Make tablespoon-sized scoops and bake 7–8 minutes for bite-sized treats
These cookies are rich, so half-size or mini versions are often enough for most guests.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest cookie dough and frosting.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough — it makes the cookies thicker and chewier.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice are essential for that bright lemon flavor.
- Use high-quality cream cheese for the best frosting texture.
- For a bakery-style look, use a large round piping tip to swirl frosting and a small spoon to dollop lemon curd on top.
Yield and Storage
- Yield: 12–14 large cookies
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.