Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Bite into sunshine! These vibrant Lemon Crinkle Cookies are bursts of bright citrus, featuring a soft, chewy texture and that iconic powdered sugar crackle. Get ready to add a little zest to your baking routine with this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

• Vibrant Citrus Flavor: Each bite delivers a refreshing, tangy explosion that awakens your taste buds.
• Irresistible Crinkles: The beautiful powdered sugar cracks make these cookies visually stunning and uniquely charming.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: These lemon crinkle cookies are incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite.
• Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of homemade cookies faster than you think.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by all ages, these sweet and zesty treats are perfect for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights at home.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any season, these cookies bring a ray of sunshine and a burst of flavor year-round.

Ingredients Needed

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Always opt for fresh produce to maximize flavor.

• 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour: The foundational element for our tender cookie dough.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ lovely texture.
• 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, tender crumb. Make sure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds essential moisture to the dough.
• 1/4 cup (50g) fresh lemon juice: The key component for that bright, tangy flavor. Freshly squeezed is always best!
• 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon zest: Maximizes the citrus aroma and taste. Remember to zest your lemons before you juice them.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder: Helps the cookies puff up slightly and develop their characteristic crinkled tops.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the delicious flavors in the cookies.
• 1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar for rolling: Absolutely essential for achieving the signature snowy, crinkled appearance.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies – If you can’t get enough of lemon desserts, try these equally delightful soft and chewy lemon cookies!

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking your Lemon Crinkle Cookies a smooth and enjoyable process.

• • Baking sheets: You’ll need at least two to bake your cookies efficiently and evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Lines your baking sheets to prevent sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
  • Large mixing bowls: Essential for separating wet and dry ingredients, ensuring proper mixing.
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand-held): Crucial for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which impacts cookie texture.
  • Whisk: To thoroughly combine your dry ingredients.

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• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and gently folding in ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is paramount in baking, so accurate measurements are a must.
• Shallow bowl: Specifically for rolling the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around the cookies, ensuring they cool completely without becoming soggy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Getting Started

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this clever trick ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a dream.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined, then set this dry mixture aside for a moment.

Mixing the Dough

3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a wonderfully light and fluffy consistency, typically taking about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is vital for achieving tender, airy cookies.
4. Incorporate Lemon: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the next. Then, mix in the fresh lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest. The mixture might appear a bit curdled, but don’t fret; it will come together beautifully.
5. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.

Baking Your Crinkles

6. 6. Roll in Sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop the dough into 1-inch (about 2.5 cm) balls. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s heavily coated. The more sugar, the more pronounced and beautiful your crinkles will be!
   7. Arrange & Bake: Place the coated dough balls approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly set and, most importantly, the tops have magically crinkled into beautiful patterns. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

6. Cool: Allow the baked Lemon Crinkle Cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period helps them firm up without breaking. Afterward, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

CHECK OUT: Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars – Craving more lemony goodness? These bars are another fantastic way to enjoy bright citrus flavors!

Tips for Success

• Softened Butter is Key: For the ideal creamy texture, ensure your butter is genuinely softened—not melted or cold. This helps it cream properly with the sugar.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing cookie dough develops gluten, which can result in tough, less tender cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Heavy Sugar Coat: For truly spectacular crinkles, generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar. Don’t be shy!
• Watch the Bake Time: Cookies are done when their edges are lightly set and the tops show distinct crinkles, even if the centers still look slightly soft. Overbaking will dry them out.
• Fresh Lemon: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest. The difference in flavor for your Lemon Crinkle Cookies is absolutely undeniable.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with these delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• For a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Introduce a hint of vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) alongside the lemon for an added layer of aromatic depth.
• For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based butter substitute and a suitable egg replacer if needed.
• Consider adding a small amount of almond extract for a subtle, complementary flavor twist.
• Roll some cookie dough balls in a mixture of powdered sugar and finely chopped pistachios or almonds for a delightful textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile Lemon Crinkle Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions and pairings.

• Enjoy them on their own with a comforting cup of hot herbal tea or a rich coffee.
• Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.
• They pair wonderfully with a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a tall glass of cold milk.
• These beautiful cookies are also perfect for holiday cookie platters, picnics, or as a delightful treat for any gathering.

Health Benefits

While these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are undoubtedly a treat, they do offer a few minor health notes to appreciate.

• The fresh lemon juice and zest contribute a small amount of Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties and immune support.
• Eggs provide a touch of protein, essential for body function.
• Butter offers energy, though it’s important to enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures your Lemon Crinkle Cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

• Store completely cooled Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze for longer enjoyment, arrange fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Reheating is generally not necessary, as they are best enjoyed soft and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making these irresistible Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice and zest offer a far superior, brighter, and more authentic flavor profile for these Lemon Crinkle Cookies. We highly recommend fresh for the best results.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

The most common reasons for a lack of crinkles are insufficient powdered sugar coating or an incorrect oven temperature. Ensure your dough balls are heavily coated in powdered sugar and that your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C).

Can I chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can make it easier to handle and shape into balls. It can also sometimes lead to slightly thicker cookies with a chewier texture.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe typically yields approximately 24 delicious 1-inch Lemon Crinkle Cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Certainly! To make these cookies dairy-free, simply use a high-quality plant-based butter substitute. Ensure all other ingredients are also naturally dairy-free.

More Delicious Dishes

• Strawberry Crunch Cookies – Craving another cookie with a fantastic texture and fruity flavor? These offer a delightful crunch!
• The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Dessert Recipe – If you love the signature crinkles, you must try the classic chocolate version next for a rich twist.
• Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe for Cozy Days – For a different kind of sweet treat that brings cozy comfort, these cinnamon roll-inspired cookies are pure bliss.

Conclusion

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are truly a ray of sunshine in cookie form. Their tangy, sweet flavor and beautifully crinkled tops make them an absolute joy to bake and share. Get baking today and brighten someone’s day! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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