Directions
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, take the cold cream cheese and beat it until it is smooth. This process is essential for getting rid of any lumps, ensuring a tremendous filling. Add in the granulated sugar and lemon zest, continuing to beat until everything is fully combined. Cover this mixture and set it in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie base.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Get a large mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together well to ensure that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step helps give your cookies that tremendous rise we all love.
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Combine the Sugar and Butter: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar together until they become fluffy in texture. This should make you feel a tremendous sense of anticipation for what is to come next!
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Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Blend these together until fully combined. The mixture should look rich and inviting.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix! The key here is to combine them just enough to form a cohesive dough.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
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Form the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take a spoonful of dough, flatten it slightly in your hands, and add about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling, making sure to seal it well. Roll the stuffed cookie in a plate of granulated sugar until fully coated.
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Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Take a moment to enjoy the tremendous aroma filling your kitchen.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period keeps the cookies chewy while allowing the flavors to deepen.
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