Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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There’s something about the combination of a soft, chewy cookie with a burst of bright, citrusy lemon that feels like sunshine in every bite. These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a delightful crinkle that makes them both cute and irresistible. They have a light, almost airy texture, with just the right amount of tang. Imagine biting into one and getting that zesty lemon flavor, followed by the satisfying sweetness. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are so much more than just a sweet treat—they’re all about spreading joy and a little bit of sunshine wherever they go. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. The bright lemony flavor adds a touch of festivity, making them perfect for spring, summer, or any time you need a cheerful bite.

Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples that come together beautifully. You don’t need to go on a wild shopping trip to make these, and they come out looking like you spent hours in the kitchen (but you won’t have to!).

Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking, this recipe is a breeze. You’ll have fresh, warm cookies ready to enjoy in no time! Even if you’re a beginner, this is a foolproof recipe that will have you looking like a pro in the kitchen.

The Crinkle Factor: What’s better than a soft cookie? A crinkly cookie, of course! These cookies have a unique, cracked appearance that makes them extra charming. It’s almost like they’re saying, “Look at me, I’m special!”

Zesty & Sweet: The perfect balance of lemony tartness and sugary sweetness. The lemon zest shines through without being overwhelming, and the sugar coating gives them that classic sweet, crunchy exterior. It’s a match made in cookie heaven.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these cookies—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Flour: The backbone of the dough, giving the cookies their structure. All-purpose flour works perfectly here, keeping things light and soft.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that perfect, crinkly exterior.

Butter: The secret to the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Softened butter makes the dough smooth and helps achieve that irresistible chewiness.

Eggs: They bind everything together and give the cookies that tender, slightly cakey texture we love.

Baking Powder: The little leavening agent that ensures these cookies puff up just right and get those gorgeous crinkles.

Lemon Zest: The star of the show. It adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the cookies and makes them taste like sunshine in cookie form.

Lemon Juice: For an extra burst of lemony goodness. It helps balance out the sweetness and gives the cookies a nice, tangy kick.

Powdered Sugar: This one’s for the crinkle effect! Dipping the dough in powdered sugar before baking gives these cookies their signature look and adds a bit of extra sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these zesty, crinkly wonders:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and get that golden exterior. Preheating is key to a perfect batch!

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Then, slowly add in the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and then roll each ball in powdered sugar. The powdered sugar will help form the crinkles as the cookies bake.

Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers will still be soft, and that’s what you want for that chewy texture.

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Take a moment to inhale the sweet lemon scent—trust me, it’s going to make you smile.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

  • On Their Own: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy these cookies is just as they are. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
  • Gift Them: Pack a few in a cute jar or gift box to give as a homemade present. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or “just because.”
  • Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream. The lemony flavors complement each other beautifully.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can roll the dough into balls and freeze them for later use. Just bake them fresh when you need them, and you’ll have homemade cookies in no time.
  • Don’t Overbake: The key to the perfect lemon crinkle cookie is not overbaking them. You want the centers soft and chewy, so keep an eye on them!
  • Add More Lemon: If you love lemon, you can always add more zest or juice for a more intense lemon flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute lemon zest with lemon extract?
A1: Yes! You can use lemon extract if you don’t have fresh lemons. Just use about ½ teaspoon of extract instead of the zest.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
A2: Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer onto the baking sheet and bake a few extra minutes.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q4: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan version.

Q5: How can I make the cookies more chewy?
A5: For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies. Let them cool on the baking sheet to finish setting.

Q6: Can I add frosting to these cookies?
A6: Yes! A light lemon glaze would be a perfect addition for an extra sweet touch.

Q7: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A7: The edges should be golden, and the centers should still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Q8: How do I make these cookies fluffier?
A8: Make sure not to overmix the dough, and be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make them dense.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Definitely! Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheet and adjust the baking time if needed.

Q10: Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookies?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

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Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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These soft and tangy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. With a zesty lemon flavor and a delightful powdered sugar coating, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  3. ½ teaspoon baking soda
  4. ¼ teaspoon salt
  5. ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  6. 1 cup granulated sugar
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  9. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  11. ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they are generously coated.
  • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies appear crinkled on top. Do not overbake.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • For extra lemon flavor, you can add more zest or use a bit of lemon extract in the dough.
  • These cookies freeze well for up to 2-3 months—just store them in an airtight container.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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