Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you're a fan of lemon-flavored desserts, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are sure to become one of your favorite treats! These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with bright, tangy lemon flavor, making them the perfect dessert for spring, summer, or any time you crave something light and refreshing. As they bake, the dough spreads out and creates a beautiful crinkled effect on the surface, making them just as lovely to look at as they are to eat.

Whether you're making them for a holiday cookie swap, a bake sale, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are guaranteed to impress. They’re easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients, so let’s get started!

What are “Lemon Crinkle Cookies”?

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with a lemon-flavored dough that is rolled in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies bake, they spread and crackle, creating a beautiful crinkled appearance. The bright lemon flavor, combined with the sweet powdered sugar, makes these cookies irresistible. They’re often described as being like a cookie version of lemon bars but with a lighter, airier texture and a delightful citrusy zing.

Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these tangy and sweet Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Yellow food coloring (optional, for a brighter lemony hue)

For Rolling:

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough before baking)

Substitutions and Variations

These cookies are versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent.
2. Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine to make these cookies dairy-free.
3. Add Lemon Extract: For an even stronger lemon flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough in addition to the lemon juice and zest.
4. Citrus Variation: Try using lime or orange zest and juice for a different citrus flavor, creating lime crinkle cookies or orange crinkle cookies.
5. Sugar Crust: For an extra crispy exterior, roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar before rolling it in powdered sugar.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Follow these simple steps for a batch of perfectly soft, chewy, and crinkled cookies!

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:

• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and fully combined. If you want a more vibrant yellow color, add a few drops of yellow food coloring at this stage and mix until the dough is evenly tinted.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

6. Chill the Dough:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to handle. It also ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.

7. Roll the Dough in Powdered Sugar:

• Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into 1-inch balls.
• Roll each ball in the powdered sugar, making sure it’s generously coated. The powdered sugar creates the crinkle effect as the cookies bake.

8. Bake the Cookies:

• Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed up, slightly golden around the edges, and the tops have cracked. The centers should still be soft, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies:

• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Lemon Crinkle Cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these common mistakes in mind:

1. Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Don’t skip this step!
2. Not Enough Powdered Sugar: Make sure each dough ball is generously coated in powdered sugar. This is what gives the cookies their beautiful crinkled look.
3. Overbaking: These cookies should be soft and chewy, not crunchy. Keep an eye on the baking time and take them out of the oven when they’re just starting to turn golden around the edges.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are beautiful in their simplicity, but a few presentation touches can make them even more special:

• Dust with Extra Powdered Sugar: After the cookies have cooled, you can dust them with a little extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Serve with Lemon Tea: These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of lemon tea or chamomile tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
• Lemon Zest Garnish: Garnish the cookies with a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest right before serving for an extra burst of lemon flavor and color.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a holiday cookie platter along with other treats like gingerbread cookies, chocolate crinkle cookies, and shortbread for a variety of flavors and textures.
• Gift Giving: Lemon Crinkle Cookies make wonderful edible gifts. Stack them in a decorative tin or wrap them in clear bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For a fun dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Stacked Cookies: Arrange the cookies in small stacks on a pretty cake stand for a bakery-style presentation.
• Lemon Garnish: Decorate the serving platter with slices of fresh lemon or small sprigs of mint for a beautiful and refreshing look.
• Cookie Tower: Stack the cookies into a tall tower and dust with powdered sugar for an eye-catching centerpiece at your dessert table.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Tips

1. Zest the Lemons Before Juicing: It’s easier to zest the lemons before you juice them, so make sure to zest them first!
2. Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest or lemon juice to the dough. Just be mindful of the dough consistency if adding extra juice.
3. Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. To freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
The crinkling effect comes from the contrast between the powdered sugar on the outside and the dough expanding as it bakes. Make sure your dough is chilled before baking and that you generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar. Under-baking the cookies slightly also helps enhance the crinkle.

Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Lemon pairs well with other flavors like lavender or rosemary. You can experiment by adding a small amount of finely chopped herbs or other citrus like lime or orange zest.

Conclusion

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, as a gift, or just for a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to brighten up any occasion. With their easy preparation and stunning presentation, they’re an excellent addition to your cookie repertoire. So go ahead and whip up a batch of these delightful cookies—they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Happy baking!

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