These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor! The perfect treat for citrus lovers, they’re made with fresh lemon juice and zest for a refreshing tang. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, the cookies get a crinkly top as they bake, adding a fun texture and visual appeal.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (6g) lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2-4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for coating
Directions:
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- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Add yellow food coloring if desired.
- Chill and Roll: Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Then, roll the dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Zest the lemon carefully: Use only the yellow part of the lemon peel, as the white pith can be bitter.
Nutritional Benefits:
- These cookies are a delightful source of flavor from real lemon juice and zest, offering a light, citrusy taste that lifts the mood!
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. Suitable for those who enjoy a standard diet, but can be modified with gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls (coated in powdered sugar) and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bursting with Lemon Flavor: Made with fresh lemon juice and zest for a tangy, refreshing taste.
- Perfectly Soft and Chewy: A great texture balance, with a soft center and crisp edges.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these cookies are great for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Fun Crinkly Appearance: The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies their signature crinkle look when baked.
Conclusion:
These soft and chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. With their fresh lemon flavor, delightful texture, and fun crinkled appearance, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or shared at a gathering, these cookies will bring a burst of sunshine to any day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I substitute the lemon juice with lime?
- Yes, lime juice will give a similar tangy flavor with a different twist.
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with an additional 1-2 minutes.
- What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
- You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor.
- Can I add more zest for a stronger lemon flavor?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add more lemon zest if you prefer an extra lemony kick.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- How can I make the cookies more vibrant in color?
- Add a few more drops of yellow food coloring for a brighter hue.
- Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
- Yes, but the powdered sugar creates the classic crinkled look and adds sweetness.
- Can I use butter substitutes?
- You can use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- How do I know when the cookies are done?
- The edges should be set, but the centers will remain soft. They continue to firm up as they cool.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, simply double the ingredient quantities to make a larger batch!