Lemon Crinkle Cookies

If you’re a fan of tangy citrus paired with sweet, soft cookie goodness, then Lemon Crinkle Cookies are about to become your new obsession! These cookies are the perfect balance of tart lemon flavor and sugar-coated sweetness, with that signature crinkly texture that makes them irresistible. Picture biting into a chewy cookie that’s bursting with fresh lemon zest, dusted in powdered sugar, and absolutely bursting with sunshine. You won’t be able to stop at just one, trust me on that!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Bursting with Lemon Flavor: These cookies are packed with lemon zest and juice, giving them that refreshing, tangy kick that’s so delightful.
• Perfectly Soft and Chewy: Each bite is soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth good. The crinkly surface adds a fun texture too!
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up these cookies. No complex steps required!
• A Beautiful Cookie: The crinkly, sugar-coated surface makes these cookies look as good as they taste, perfect for a gift or holiday treat.
• A Fresh Twist on Traditional Crinkle Cookies: Instead of the usual chocolate or vanilla crinkle, this lemon version brings in a refreshing citrusy spin that everyone will love.

Ingredients

These cookies might seem fancy, but they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flour: The base for the dough, giving structure to these chewy cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter makes these cookies soft and tender. Don’t skip it!
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness and powdered sugar for that crinkly finish.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough together and give the cookies their chewy texture.
• Lemon Zest: The star of the show! Lemon zest adds an aromatic citrus flavor that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds extra lemony brightness and tang.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to balance the tartness of the lemon.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these lemony treats? Let’s get started!

1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise and bake evenly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes. The air incorporated here will help make the cookies soft and tender.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. You should be able to smell the fresh lemon coming through at this point—so good!

5. Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

6. Shape the Dough:

Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls (you can use a cookie scoop for consistency). Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat them generously. This will create the crinkly effect as they bake!

7. Bake:

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the crinkles have formed on top. The edges should be just starting to turn golden, but the centers will still be soft.

8. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkles will set as they cool, giving them that perfect texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• With Tea or Lemonade: Pair these with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade for a perfect afternoon snack.
• For a Cookie Platter: These cookies make a beautiful addition to any cookie platter, with their bright yellow color and crinkly texture.
• As a Gift: Pack them up in a cute gift box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift that’ll be loved by anyone who receives them.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. The zest, in particular, adds a punch of citrusy fragrance.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like a sweeter cookie, you can roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar before baking, along with the powdered sugar, for an added sweetness.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want slightly thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q2: Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
A2: While lemon extract will give you some lemon flavor, fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best and most vibrant flavor. If you use extract, I recommend adding a little extra to compensate.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Q4: Why do I need to roll the dough in powdered sugar?
A4: The powdered sugar helps the cookies form those signature crinkles as they bake, and it adds a sweet, light dusting on top of the cookie.

Q5: Can I make these cookies larger?
A5: Sure! If you make them bigger, just keep in mind that they may need a few extra minutes to bake, and they’ll have a slightly chewier texture.

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are bright, cheerful, and oh-so-delicious. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to add a little zest and sunshine into your day. Make a batch, and I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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