Lemon Poppy Cheesecake Cookies (Printable Version)

# What You’ll Need:

→ Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

01 - 200 g granulated sugar
02 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
03 - 110 g butter
04 - 1 large egg (59-60 g with shell)
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 210 g all-purpose flour
07 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
10 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Cheesecake Frosting

11 - 200 g cream cheese, cold
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 75 g powdered sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon agave or honey
15 - 120 g heavy cream
16 - Poppy seeds for sprinkling on top (optional)
17 - Lemon slices for decoration (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Avoid bubbling to retain its liquid content. Cool the melted butter to room temperature in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
02 - In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together until the mixture resembles wet sand to release the flavor.
03 - Once the butter is cooled, mix it with the lemon-sugar mixture. Use a rubber spatula or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to combine.
04 - Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture until well combined.
05 - In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until combined.
06 - Use a 2 tbsp/53 g cookie scoop to portion out 11 cookies. Roll them into balls and place on a tray lined with baking paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat the oven to 180ºC (355ºF). After chilling, bake 6 cookies at a time on a lined baking sheet for 10-11 minutes. Let them cool on the tray for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
08 - Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip all frosting ingredients until stiff peaks form. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
09 - Pipe the cheesecake frosting onto the cooled cookies in a swirl pattern. Decorate with poppy seeds and optional lemon zest or lemon slices.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use a digital scale for precise measurements. Baking requires accuracy, as cup measurements may vary.