Soft and Tangy High-Lysine Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy a soft, tangy treat that also supports your body's immune system through high lysine content. Lysine is an essential amino acid that your body cannot produce on its own, making dietary intake crucial. It plays a vital role in immune function, tissue repair, and collagen production, all of which contribute to faster healing and stronger defenses.

Unlike many cookie recipes that rely on ingredients high in arginine, such as chocolate or nuts, this recipe intentionally highlights cream cheese for its favorable lysine-to-arginine ratio. This balance is key for those aiming to reduce herpes flare-ups while still enjoying delicious treats. Arginine promotes herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication, which can trigger outbreaks, whereas lysine works to inhibit viral replication, helping to reduce both the frequency and severity of symptoms.

The cream cheese not only contributes to the cookie’s moist and tender crumb but also imparts a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. This makes these cookies a perfect choice for anyone wanting a lysine-friendly snack that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up these soft, tangy cookies that support your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make approximately 12-15 soft and tangy Cream Cheese Cookies:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness for the cookies.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, contributing to a soft texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup (115 g) cream cheese (full fat), softened: The star lysine-rich ingredient that adds moisture, tang, and richness.
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
• Optional: 1 scoop lysine supplement powder or low-arginine protein powder: To boost lysine content further without affecting taste.

Instructions

Get ready to bake irresistibly soft and tangy Cream Cheese Cookies that bring a unique twist to your cookie collection. Follow these tailored steps to highlight the rich cream cheese and butter flavors and achieve the perfect texture.

1. Warm Up and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting adds air and ensures a light, tender crumb.

3. Cream the Butter, Cheese, and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy—this step creates the base for the cookie’s tender texture and subtle tang.

4. Add Egg and Flavor

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated, enhancing the cookie’s richness and aroma.

5. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so handle the dough with care.

6. Optional Lysine Boost

For an extra lysine boost, carefully fold in a scoop of lysine supplement powder or low-arginine protein powder. This adds nutritional value without altering taste.

7. Shape and Chill

Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. For a more refined texture, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a tender crumb.

8. Bake

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The extra baking time compared to other recipes helps develop a delicate crust while maintaining a soft interior.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up just enough to handle without losing their tender bite.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies

Creating the perfect Cream Cheese Cookies is all about balancing texture and flavor. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve cookie perfection every time:

Use full-fat cream cheese: For the richest flavor and softest texture, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions can make the cookies dry or crumbly. If you only have low fat cream cheese, you can add more butter (or a neutral flavor oil like coconut oil) to increase fat content.

Bring ingredients to room temperature: Make sure your cream cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy batter and even baking.

Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a tender crumb with a slight chew.

Handle the dough gently: Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.

Customize sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar slightly or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor twist.

Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw them before serving to maintain freshness.